First Coast Opera holds annual fundraising gala

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Held Feb. 24 in St. Augustine, First Coast Opera’s (FCO) annual fundraising gala featured performances by musicians for an intimate audience at a private home.

Baritone Sean Stork and soprano Christina Rivera sang to FCO supporters and patrons. The entertainment also included 13-year-old Zachary Russell and 16-year-old Hope Cruse, who were accompanied on piano by Bonita Wyke and Curtis Powell. Other highlights of the evening included a silent auction, and wine and food prepared by FCO’s volunteer-based guild.

The Gala concluded FCO’s 18th season, which included its debut at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall with “Opera’s Most Haunting Melodies.” FCO then partnered with the EMMA Concert Association for a special holiday performance of Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”  

For the final program of the season, FCO put on one of opera’s most popular and passionate tragedies, “I Pagliacci” by Ruggero.  It was preceded by the regional premiere of Artistic Director Curtis Tucker’s “The Stranger’s Tale,” a one-act opera of faith and hope set in New York City’s Central Park. 

FCO’s 2018–2019 season will highlight Mozart’s traditional and well-loved “The Marriage of Figaro” (Le Nozze di Figaro).  Follow FCO on its Facebook page for upcoming events and productions.