La bohème
La bohème returns to Opera San José in an exuberant production set in Christmas-time Paris following the Great War. In this tantalizing tale of young artists living on the edge, poet Rodolfo is implored by Mimi, his alluring and delicate neighbor, to help light her last candle. Immediately infatuated, they embark on a dizzying and ultimately tragic relationship. From bustling cafés and raucous parties to spirited debates, the pair, along with their band of idealist friends, chase happiness against impossible odds. OSJ’s Stage Director in Residence Michelle Ainna Cuizon makes her mainstage debut helming this masterpiece; OSJ Music Director Joseph Marcheso will conduct.
Bluebeard's Castle
This all-new production of Bartók’s haunting Bluebeard’s Castle will have audiences on the edge of their seats. Directed by OSJ General Director/CEO Shawna Lucey and conducted by OSJ Music Director Joseph Marcheso, this powerful one-act opera presented in English follows Judith as she abandons a peaceful existence to marry the mysterious Duke Bluebeard. Unlocking rooms in her eerie new home, she discovers her new husband’s dark past, delving into the frightening corners of his troubled imagination. Soprano Maria Natale, who recently captivated audiences as Tosca, and as The Countess in The Marriage of Figaro, returns to OSJ as Judith.
Florencia en el Amazonas
Opera San José is thrilled to present the long-awaited Bay Area premiere of Mexican composer, Daniel Catan’s masterpiece Florencia en el Amazonas, OSJ’s first spanish language work. Crystal Manich returns after her celebrated West Side Story to direct this new production. Set on a steamboat voyaging down the enchanted Amazon rainforest, the glamorous Florencia and the other passengers go on a life-changing adventure. Charged with the magical realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the opera blurs the boundaries of the real and the fantastic to explore and reveal longing, grief and love. Mo. Marcheso conducts.
The Barber of Seville
This quintessential comedy features some of the most iconic music in the world and has introduced millions of people of all ages to the joy of opera, yet it remains a perennial favorite for the most hardened opera goer. The story of the barber Figaro and his machinations in smoothing the course of true love returns to the California, led by Mo. Marcheso with a splendid ensemble cast and whimsical new production.
Zheng - A workshop
The workshop of a new opera written by Shinji Eshima and Tony Asaro. Presented with piano at Opera San Jose’s rehearsal space, the Heiman Digital Studio.
Please note time is to be announced.
Romeo & Juliet
Back for the first time in almost 20 years, OSJ opens its ambitious 40th anniversary season with Gounod’s classic adaptation: Romeo et Juliette. This Romantic love story arrives at the California Theatre in a new production created by Shawna Lucey, her first collaboration since the visionary director became Opera San José’s 4th General Director. Its impassioned french music, famous melodies and timeless story will inaugurate a new season, featuring new residents and guests making role debuts. Music Director Joseph Marcheso conducts the Opera San José Orchestra.