Opera at the Bay
A partnership between Sarasota Opera and The Bay
Sarasota Opera and The Bay park have partnered to present three opera films at The Bay's Oval amphitheater in April and May -- all free, open to the public, and in open air! Read more here!
Sunday, April 27, Noon, Cavalleria rusticana
‘Opera at The Bay’ kicks off from noon-1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 27, with a brunch-time performance of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana. This opera opened the 2025 winter season at Sarasota Opera, and features world-class artists, including mezzo-soprano Lisa Chavez, baritone Jean-Carlos Rodríguez and tenor Rafael Dávila, with Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi conducting the Sarasota Opera orchestra. It takes place on a tranquil Easter morning in a rural Sicilian village shaken by a betrayed lover who sets off a chain of events, ending in tragedy. The opera features the “Intermezzo”, one of the most memorable and melodious pieces in the repertoire.
Sunday, May 4, Noon, Pagliacci
Audiences can return from noon-1:30p.m., Sunday, May 4 for Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. An iconic Italian opera featuring one of the most famous arias in the repertoire, the clown Canio tries to go on with the show after learning of his wife’s infidelity, but his real-life humiliation and despair lead to a grim climax. The opera features soprano Ashley Milanese, baritone Jean-Carlos Rodríguez and tenor Rafael Dávila, with Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi conducting the Sarasota Opera orchestra. A live performance by Sarasota Youth Opera, who performed in the opera on the mainstage during the 2025 season, will open the film screening.
Saturday, May 17, 7 PM, The Barber of Seville
The grand finale of the ‘Opera on the Bay’ series —Gioachino Rossini’s comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville — will be screened from 7-9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 17. Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to some of opera's most delightful music, performed by an all-star cast that includes baritone Filippo Fontana, mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali, bass-baritone Andrew Gilstrap, and bass Young Bok Kim, with the Sarasota Opera orchestra conducted by Marcello Cormio.
Know Before You Go
Food and beverage will be available for purchase from The Nest Café and Buonissimo Mobile Italian Kitchen. Limited seating is available in The Oval amphitheater and everyone is encouraged to set up a lawn chair or blanket on the plentiful green space for a true al fresco experience. The operas, all filmed in the Sarasota Opera House during the 2025 season, will be shown on the large LED screen with surround sound and English subtitles. Free parking is available across the site. The Bay is at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota.
To learn more about The Bay and for a park directory, visit https://www.thebaysarasota.org.