Opera Baltimore is launching its new season with Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca.” It has been nearly a decade since a fully staged production of the opera has been performed in Baltimore.
“Tosca” will have a full orchestra as well, and will be presented on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. at Stephens Hall Theatre in Towson. A gripping thriller, Puccini’s opera is set in politically turbulent Rome. It tells the story of a glamorous singer caught between love, loyalty, and ambition of Baron Scarpia. The story is described as the operatic equivalent of a page-turner a reader cannot put down.
The production continues Opera Baltimore’s co-production model with OperaDelaware. The partnership between the two companies shares artists, designers, and resources without sacrificing artistic excellence. The model was created by Opera Baltimore’s president and general director Julia Cooke and OperaDelaware’s general director Brendan Cooke.
“This partnership is a strategic advantage at a time when arts organizations are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Julia Cooke. “By working together, we ensure Baltimore audiences see and hear the kind of world-class artistry they deserve.”
“We are so happy to continue our partnership with Opera Baltimore – by pooling talents and resources and sharing expenses, we are able to bring more top-quality performances to the region,” said Brendan Cooke. “It’s a true win-win.”
Soprano Emily Margevich makes her role debut as Floria Tosca. The New York Times called her “charismatic and commanding” and Opera Magazine praised her for her “vulnerability and intelligence… [with] a voice of liquid beauty.” Baritone Steven Condy will play the ruthless Baron Scarpia. He played Fallstaff in the two opera companies’ 2016 collaborative production of the opera of the same name. Domenico Boyagian will conduct the orchestra, and Hayley Stamats will direct the production.
As with other collaborative productions between Opera Baltimore and OperaDelaware, “Tosca” will also be performed in Delaware later in October at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington.
Run time for “Tosca” is 2.5 hours with one intermission. It is sung in Italian with English supertitles. Tickets are available at Opera Baltimore’s website or by calling 443-445-0226.
Stephens Hall Theatre is located at 7900 Stephens Ave. in Towson.
