The Florentine Opera Rebels

March 15, 2024 (Milwaukee)–The Florentine Opera is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated upcoming season, “Acts of Rebellion.” This 91st season promises to captivate audiences with four mainstage productions that celebrate the spirit of defiance and individuality. From timeless classics to comedic masterpieces, the 24/25 season promises a thrilling journey through the power of opera.

Music Director Francesco Milioto will be at the helm for three out of the four mainstage productions, promising a season filled with exceptional musicality and artistry.

“We are thrilled to present ‘Acts of Rebellion,’ a season that celebrates the resilience, strength, and bravery women show in carving their futures,” said Maggey Oplinger, General Director and CEO of the Florentine Opera. “From timeless classics to comedic masterpieces, our characters’ stories are both relatable, aspirational, and moving. This season promises to grab the tissues and laugh out loud!”

Kicking off the season is Puccini’s beloved masterpiece, Madama Butterfly. Co-produced with Virginia Opera and Kentucky Opera. Indulge in the timeless allure of Puccini’s masterpiece, where Japanese traditions meet American dreams. Soprano Karen Chia-ling Ho debuts at Opera Philadelphia, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Carolina, and Virginia Opera in the title role of Madama Butterfly. She also returns to the Metropolitan Opera to cover Mimì in La Bohème and graces the San Francisco Opera as Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly.

Following Madama Butterfly, the Florentine Opera will present Handel’s Acis and Galatea, a baroque gem filled with passion and enchantment. Baumgartner Studio Artist alum, Patrick Bessenbacher, returns to the Florentine to take on the role of Acis. This production promises to showcase the extraordinary vocal talents of our performers in an intimate and captivating setting.

Continuing the season is Donizetti’s uproarious comedy, Viva la Mamma! Expect a riotous evening filled with laughter as the audience witnesses the behind-the-scenes chaos of a struggling opera company, stage directed by Milwaukee favorite, Jill Anna Ponasik and led by the incomparable Patrick Carfizzi as Mamma Agata. Mamma Agata will sneak on stage before the opera begins, as Carfizzi performs a rarely staged and comedica 20-minute operatic intermezzo, Cimarosa’s Il maestro di capella. Find the Florentine in a new to us theater, the Pitman on Alverno College’s campus.

Closing the season with a seductive bang, we celebrate Bizet’s timeless classic Carmen – the opera that started a legend. Audiences will be swept away by the sultry and fiery world of 19th century Spain. Featuring the return of Florentine favorite and Wisconsin native, Kathryn Henry as Micaela. Henry has grown a devoted following after appearances on stages from the Metropolitan Opera in New York to the Rohm Theatre in Kyoto, Japan and the Florentine is thrilled to have her back.

Subscriptions for the Florentine Opera’s 2024/25 season, “Acts of Rebellion,” are now available for purchase. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of opera with the Florentine Opera. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.florentineopera.org or calling 414.291.5700 ext. 224. Single tickets will be available starting August 1, 2024. View Season Brochure here. The Florentine Opera’s 24/25 Season at a Glance

Mainstage Series: Embark on a season of passion, resilience, and laughter as The Florentine Opera presents ‘Acts of Rebellion,’ showcasing timeless productions of Madama Butterfly, Acis and Galatea, and Viva la Mamma, and Carmen.

Madama Butterfly– October 18th & 20th, 2024 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Uihlein Hall. Experience the timeless allure of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, where Japanese traditions collide with American dreams. Cio-Cio San’s unwavering devotion leads to a devastating sacrifice for her child.

Acis and Galatea – February 14th & 16th, 2025 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall. A tale of love and mythological mischief. A shepherd falls for a sea nymph, only for a cyclops to crash their love story. Fountains sprout from a tragic murder, adding a resolution to heartbreak.

Viva la Mamma!– March 21st & 23rd, 2025 at the Pitman Theater at Alverno College. A company struggles with a stage mother who insists on controlling every aspect of her son’s career. Amidst chaos and comedic mishaps, the opera showcases the absurdities within the world of theater.

Carmen– May 16th & 18th, 2025 at Marcus Performing Arts Center in Uihlein Hall. Carmen’s love triangle with soldier Don José and bullfighter Escamillo leads to jealousy and betrayal. Her fierce independence and tragic end make it a compelling tale of love, obsession, and fate.

Summer series and Studio Artists: Sellout summer series, Al Fresco, located in some of the most beautiful and intimate gardens around SE Wisconsin, feature some of opera’s top talent. Also find our Covers adaptation in parks throughout Milwaukee! 

Summer Studio Ensemble– July 19th, 2024 in Fredonia. Join us for an evening of opera scenes featuring Florentine Opera’s Summer Studio Ensemble.

Deanna Breiwick accompanied by Aurelia Andrews – August 22nd, 2024 on the East side. Deanna Breiwick, acclaimed soprano praised by The New York Times as a “vocal trapeze artist”. Notable for her roles with the Metropolitan Opera, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Find us in parks around the city, with opera like you’ve never heard before! In collaboration with Milwaukee’s own Phe, The Summer Studio Ensemble will bring a modernist soul pop and R&B spin on opera as part of Milwaukee’s outdoor performance tradition. Look for us at Washington Park, Summerfest, and more!

An Aria Extravaganza – November 14, 2024 in River Hills. Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of opera’s rising stars in a breathtaking aria extravaganza! Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Baumgartner Studio Artists, showcasing their extraordinary vocal talents.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.