Palm Beach Opera presented an outdoor performance of “I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues)” to a sold-out audience at the Norton Museum Sculpture Garden on March 21, providing the community with another live opera performance following the company’s successful and historic festival.
Vincenzo Bellini’s sensuous bel canto opera, based on the celebrated tale of Romeo and Juliet, was performed by members of Palm Beach Opera’s rigorous artist training programs and members of the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra. Award winning director Paul Curran directed the one-night-only performance and PBO Associate Conductor and Chorus Master Greg Ritchey led the orchestra.
Palm Beach Opera’s “I Capuleti e i Montecchi” was praised as a “memorable semi-staged production” in the company’s “remarkably innovative season” and celebrated for the “magic aura” found in the intimate performance by Palm Beach Daily News.
The cast included Benenson Young Artists Patricia Westley (Giulietta), Jenny Anne Flory (Romeo), Moisés Salazar (Tebaldo), Heeseung Chae (Lorenzo) and Christopher Humbert Jr. (Capellio), and Apprentice Artists SarahAnn Duffy, Emily Helenbrook, Juan Hernández, Steven Ricks and Kyle White.
“Part of our mission is to train the next generation of opera stars, and despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, we are thrilled to have been able to fulfill that mission and provide another important on-stage opportunity for these rising artists,” said General Director David Walker. “We are also proud to provide our community with another live, outdoor opera event – a unique chance to experience emerging singers on the brink of stardom during a time when access to live art is limited.”
As the last public event of the company’s 20-21 Season, PBO will present “Liederabend,” a recital of non-operatic art songs, outdoors at the National Croquet Center on April 7. Palm Beach Opera’s artists in residence will perform selections from beloved composers such as Brahms, Debussy, Schubert, Strauss, Rossini and Verdi. Socially distanced pods are available to purchase beginning at $50. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 561-833-7888. Seating is limited. Palm Beach Opera will return to the Kravis Center for mainstage performances in 2022 during the company’s 60th anniversary season.