Augusta Opera

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This was the Augusta Opera website.

The Augusta Opera ceased operations in 2009 when it when it closed down early due to financial issues. In 2010 it struggled back trying to make up a $75,000 debt to keep the south's oldest opera company going.​ For a while instead of big productions at the Imperial Theatre, the Augusta Opera performed at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and other smaller venues.
Content is from the site's 2004-2008 archived pages with some images from 2011.

Augusta Opera
1301 Greene St
Augusta, Georgia

 

The Augusta Opera Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity and is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art and the Georgia Council for the Arts, through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. The Georgia Council is a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

 

From the Artistic Director

King Arthur and his magical Kingdom, Spains most infamous gypsy and her contrasting loversa tragic clown driven to jealousy and murder. Welcome to the Augusta Operas 2007 2008 season of operatic excellence.
For La Tragedie de Carmen and I Pagliacci, we journey this year musically and artistically from France to Italy to Broadway. Joining me in presenting these celebrated works for you are internationally acclaimed artists as well as many of our wealth of local talent.

Dont forget our twenty-third visit to St. Pauls which has become an Augusta tradition, featuring the Augusta Opera Chorus and Orchestra and the renowned Augusta Childrens Chorale. As is said about Camelot, there truly is a spot of happly-ever-aftering the Augusta Opera. Please join us now.

Operatically yours,

Mark D. Flint, Artistic Director

 

2007 – 2008 Opera Season

The rain may never fall till after sundown.
By eight the morning fog must disappear.
In short, there's simply not
A more congenial spot
For happ'ly-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.

On December 3, 1960, these words were sung for the first time in New York premiere of Camelot. A winner of four Tony Awards, this lovely retelling of The Once and Future King by T. H. White was written by collaborators Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. For some it is a fairy tale with a bittersweet ending while others see the Arthurian legend as a part of history. A favorite of President John F. Kennedy, the work often defined his administration and ideals. For all you've loved and lost...don't miss Camelot.

Originally conceived by legendary movie director Peter Brook along with Marius Constant, La Tragedie de Carmen does for Bizet's famous opera, Carmen, what Baz Luhrmann did for La Boheme. Transformed into a 1983 Broadway sensation and winning a special Tony award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre, this dramatic 80 minute opera gets right to the central story of the world's most famous gypsy. It contains all of the original and popular arias and duets that you love. This will be an unforgettable evening!

Pagliacci is the 14th most-performed opera in North America according to Opera America. This very popular opera was first performed in 1893 and unfolds the tragedy of a jealous husband, his wife and her lover in a Commedia dell’ Arte troupe. A traditional tale about love and betrayal Pagliacci contains many beautiful and familiar melodies. The aria “Vesti La Giubba” which concludes Act One, became one of Enrico Caruso’s signature recordings when Pagliacci became the first opera ever recorded in 1907. Since that time, this poignant aria has been used in movies, television and recordings and the character Pagliacci is used to epitomize the sad clown. Ring down the curtain with Pagliacci.

An Aside: I confess it is not always with an eager heart I go to revivals of the show in fear of plodding pageantry and singsong vocalizing. What a treat then to find the superb cast of the Augusta Opera's Camelot dressed to the nines and ready to give full measure to the saga of King Arthur and the Round Table. This production was excellent in every way. "One number that I particularly loved was 'The Lusty Month of May' which showcased the excellent choreography and direction. As the lords and ladies of Camelot delivered this song, frolicking at a picnic in the English countryside, I really was delighted!
During one of the intermissions the audience was surprised by a gallent youg man who proposed to his sweetheart up on the stage. He announced his intentions as the audience was returning to their seats and then with a flourish whipped out anengagement ring with a huge sparkling stone that glittered quite magnificantly. The mansitting next to me commented that it was most likely not a diamond but a cubic zirconia. He seemed quite knowledgable since he himself had recently been looking at trendy cubic zirconia rings. He then rattled off all these facts regarding the key features of cubic zirconia which distinguish it from diamond.
1. Hardness: cubic zirconia has a rating of approximately 8 on Mohs hardness scale vs. a rating of 10 for diamond.
2.Specific gravity: the density of cubic zirconia is about 1.7 times that of diamond.
3. Refractive index: cubic zirconia has a refractive index of 2.15–2.18, compared to a diamond's 2.42.
4. Dispersion is very high at 0.058–0.066, exceeding a diamond's 0.044.
The dispersion rating is apparently what what makes cubic ziconia so sparkly. Anyway, the proposal added another memorable episode to the evening. I definitely suspended my disbelief and surrendered to the world of Camelot. I was delighted!”

 

Auditions

Augusta Opera will hold a local audition on June 22, 2007. We are listening for comprimario roles and Educational Outreach performers and are very interested in hearing local singers for these positions. Singers are encouraged to prepare a song in an operatic, musical theatre, or art song style for Maestro Flint to hear. An accompanist is always provided but you are welcome to bring your own.

During other parts of the year, individuals seeking to join the choral ensemble, may call the Opera office at (706) 826-4710 and arrange for the Chorus Master, Les Reagan, to hear you.

Augusta Opera is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to achieve a level of diversity in our productions.

 

Education & Outreach

Augusta Opera 2006-2007 Educational Outreach Tour will present
Alice in Wonderland

 

Augusta Opera 2006-2007 Educational Outreach Tour will present Alice in Wonderland, an opera for children, loosely based on the well-known book by Lewis G. Carroll. Veteran Outreach Artist and Director, Kitty Reagan, has taken recognizable arias from favorite operas like Barber of Seville, Marriage of Figaro and Die Fledermaus and woven new words to fit her fun script. Where possible, actual sentences from the book have been used in the dialog A Study Guide is available.

THE CAST

Alice	Amanda Eddy
White Rabbit, Caterpillar, & Tweedle Dee,	April Wilson
Mad Hatter, of Tweedle Dum & Red Queen	Lindsay Davis
Cheshire Cat & Accompanist	Les Reagan

 

Photos from the performance at North Augusta Elementary in North Augusta, SC.

 

Set Design by Mickey Lay, Harlem High School student

 

Tickets & Seating

Season Subscriptoin Pricing and Benefits

 

 

 

• SAVE MONEY
  Season subscription prices are less expensive than buying individual tickets
• FLEXIBLE TICKET EXCHANGE
  Only subscribers can exchange tickets for another performance day, up to 24 hours prior to curtain time
• CONVENIENCE
  Avoid long lines at the box office, busy signals and "sold out" performances
• FIRST OPTION FOR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
  Subscribers have the first opportunity to purchase additional single seats for all performances.
• SPECIAL COMMUNITY DISCOUNTS
  Augusta Opera subscribers will receive a special packet with discounts at some of the best restaurants in Augusta.

2006 Events

Man of La Mancha

BUY TICKETS for Man of La Mancha - Friday, October 06, 2006 8:00 PM

BUY TICKETS for Man of La Mancha - Saturday, October 07, 2006 8:00 PM

Winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Composer and Lyrics, Man of La Mancha played for 2,328 performances on Broadway in its first run. In 2002 it was revived on Broadway and played again for 304 performances. This delightful musical tells the story originally penned by Miguel Cervantes of an aging gentleman who dreams of being a knight-errant. In this play-within-a-play, Cervantes himself is transformed into Don Quixote, the fighter of all foes, righter of all wrongs and dreamer of The Impossible Dream.

Marc Embree and Sheila Smith return to the Augusta Opera stage portraying Quixote and Aldonza. Dean Anthony directs and performs as the comic lead, Sancho.

 

Augusta Opera at St. Paul's: The 23rd Edward Bradberry Holiday Concert

BUY TICKETS for The 23rd Edward Bradberry Holiday Concert - Sunday, December 03, 2006 3:30 PM

BUY TICKETS for Holiday Tea - Sunday, December 03, 2006 5:00 PM

BUY TICKETS for The 23rd Edward Bradberry Holiday Concert - Sunday, December 03, 2006 6:00 PM

The Tradition Continues...

Each year Maestro Mark D. Flint surpasses himself in the selection of music and performers. Join the Augusta Opera Chorus, the Augusta Children’s Chorale, Maestro Mark D. Flint and a bevy of international opera stars for a concert of holiday favorites. Two performances will be given with a Holiday Tea between.

 

Hansel and Gretel

BUY TICKETS for Hansel and Gretel - Friday, March 02, 2007 8:00 PM

BUY TICKETS for Hansel and Gretel - Saturday, March 03, 2007 8:00 PM

“Hansel and Gretel is not just a children’s opera,” the New York Times wrote. “It is also an artwork very much for adults.” Or as another critic said, “It is no more a children’s opera than Alice in Wonderland is a child’s book.” With gorgeous music, enchanting sets and costumes and the Augusta Children’s Chorale, Hansel will be an evening of wonder and delight for children of all ages...

 

La Bohéme

BUY TICKETS for La Bohéme - Friday, May 11, 2007 8:00 PM

BUY TICKETS for La Bohéme - Saturday, May 12, 2007 8:00 PM

Puccini’s beloved opera, La Bohéme, is the original Rent. Hear the young poet, Rodolfo, woo the beautiful but frail seamstress Mimi, and together they experience love, passion and finally tragedy in the streets of 19th century Paris. The young bohemians' bittersweet story and Puccini's gorgeous music have worked their way into the hearts and minds of millions throughout the world. La Bohéme is the perfect first or one hundred-and-first opera for anyone who has loved or been loved. The Augusta Children's Chorale will also be featured.

 

2004 Events

 

The Ballad of Baby Doe
BUY TICKETS for The Ballad of Baby Doe - Friday, September 17, 2004 8:00:00 PM
BUY TICKETS for The Ballad of Baby Doe - Saturday, September 18, 2004 8:00:00 PM
Torn from the pages of American history, Douglas Moore's THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE spins the legend of Silver King Horace Tabor and his two wives, Augusta and Elizabeth 'Baby' Doe.

 

Set in Colorado during the nineteenth century mining phenomenon, BABY DOE recounts Tabor's rise to incredible wealth and his ultimate demise when the gold standard swept the country. His beautiful second wife Baby, once the wealthiest woman in the world, freezes to death penniless keeping vigil over Tabor's once profitable Matchless Mine.

Augusta Opera's production of this legendary American Opera provides the Southeastern premiere of the work and stars Marc Embree as Horace Tabor, Tonna Miller as Baby Doe, and Kathryn Cowdrick as the long-suffering Augusta. Nashville's John Hoomes returns to direct.
Ticket prices range from $15 to $45. 15% discount available on Friday night for students and seniors.
This opera will be presented at the Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad Street, Augusta, GA.

Augusta Opera at St. Paul's: The Edward Bradberry Holiday Concert
BUY TICKETS for Augusta Opera at St. Paul's: The Edward Bradberry Holiday Concert - Sunday, December 05, 2004 3:30:00 PM
BUY TICKETS for Augusta Opera at St. Paul's: The Edward Bradberry Holiday Concert - Sunday, December 05, 2004 6:00:00 PM
Welcome the Holiday Season on the 5th of December with the 21st annual AUGUSTA OPERA AT ST. PAUL'S: THE EDWARD BRADBERRY HOLIDAY CONCERT. This very popular event combines the forces of the Augusta Opera Chorus and Orchestra as well as the Augusta Children's Chorale. Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Mezzo-Soprano Maria Zifchak returns for this enlightening program conducted by Maestro Mark D. Flint and prepared by Chorus Master Linda Leslie Bradberry.
All tickets are $25.00 plus $10.00 for High Tea.
This concert will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal church located at 605 Reynolds Street, Augusta GA.

From Aiken: Take the Broad Street exit off of US Hwy 1. Turn right onto 6th Street. St. Paul's is on the corner of 6th and Reynolds.

From Riverwatch Parkway: Turn left onto 13th street and right onto Reynolds. St. Paul's is on the corner of 6th and Reynolds.

Holiday Tea
BUY TICKETS for Holiday Tea - Sunday, December 05, 2004 5:00:00 PM
We invite you to join the Augusta Opera Chorus, Orchestra and special guest artists for our delightful Holiday Tea nestled between the two Holiday Concerts. Our Holiday Tea is a lovely intermingling of the Traditional High and Low Teas with everything from Poached Salmon to delicate English Scones. Enjoy your delectable delights with Coffee, Tea, or Holiday Punch.
All tickets for the Holiday Tea are $10.00.
The Holiday Tea will be held in the Fellowship Hall of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

The Elixir of Love
BUY TICKETS for The Elixir of Love - Friday, February 18, 2005 8:00:00 PM
BUY TICKETS for The Elixir of Love - Saturday, February 19, 2005 8:00:00 PM
Crafted from the pen of the Italian master Gaetano Donizetti, the legend of THE ELIXIR OF LOVE has delighted audiences for decades with its humor and humanity. Dr. Dulcamara is an amusing quack who roams the Italian countryside peddling magic elixirs which in reality are poorly produced bottles of red wine.

Nemorino is in love with the wealthy Adina who will not give him the time of day until Dulcamara's Elixir turns the poor peasant into a romantic hero. Augusta Opera is performing this comic tale appropriately just after Valentine's Day, and the lovely soprano Malinda Haslett debuts as Adina with Eric van Hoven returning as the lovesick Nemorino. The memorable score features one of the most beloved melodies in all opera, "Una furtiva lagrima.'
Ticket prices range from $15 to $45. 15% discount available on Friday night for students and seniors.
This opera will be presented at The Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad Street, Augusta, GA.

Madama Butterfly
BUY TICKETS for Madama Butterfly - Friday, May 13, 2005 8:00:00 PM
BUY TICKETS for Madama Butterfly - Saturday, May 14, 2005 8:00:00 PM
When Giacomo Puccini first witnessed David Belasco's celebrated play about a geisha who weds outside of her religion and family, he understood not one word of the text but knew immediately it was suitable operatic material. Thankfully for all of us he did, as rarely does there exist such a beloved and tragic heroine as Puccini's Cio-Cio-San.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY is Puccini at his best, immortalizing the legend of his geisha in a score rich with color and pathos. Augusta Opera closes its 'Season of Legends' with this favorite work, starring Japanese soprano Itsuko Shibata in the title role for which she is internationally acclaimed.

Hawaii Opera Theatre's General and Artistic Director, Henry Akina, makes his debut with this production.
Ticket prices rage from $15 to $45. 15% discount available on Friday night for students and seniors.
This opera will be presented at the Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad Street, Augusta, GA.

Sung in Italian with English supertitles

 

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More Background on AugustaOpera.com

AugustaOpera.com, once the official website of the Augusta Opera, represents a significant chapter in the cultural and artistic history of Augusta, Georgia. Although the website is now inactive and the opera company itself ceased operations in 2009, its legacy continues to resonate through Augusta’s arts community and the broader regional opera scene. This article explores AugustaOpera.com by examining the history of the Augusta Opera, its cultural impact, critical reception, audience, and its place within Georgia’s performing arts landscape—drawing solely from independent sources and public records.

History and Origins

The Augusta Opera was established as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life, emerging alongside other major arts organizations in Augusta such as the Augusta Symphony and the Augusta Ballet. The creation of these organizations was spearheaded by influential figures like Harry Jacobs, who played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant classical music scene in the region. Jacobs, in particular, is credited with collaborating in the creation of the Augusta Opera, which became known as the South’s oldest opera company.

The opera company was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, reflecting a mission not only to entertain but also to educate and enrich the community. Its performances were staged in prominent local venues, most notably the historic Imperial Theatre, which itself is a celebrated landmark in Augusta’s performing arts history.

Venues and Performance Spaces

The Imperial Theatre

The Imperial Theatre, located in downtown Augusta, has been a central venue for the city’s performing arts, including opera, musicals, concerts, and plays. Reviews from patrons highlight its intimate and ornate design, which adds a unique character to performances. Audiences have praised the theater for its atmosphere, noting that it is a “perfect place to see a musical, play, or opera,” and that it offers a “great, intimate, ornately designed, fabulous theater to see any performance”.

However, some reviews also point to the need for renovations, citing issues with seating comfort, restroom facilities, and acoustics in certain areas. Despite these challenges, the Imperial Theatre remains a beloved venue, with many locals and visitors making special trips to attend shows there.

Repertoire and Artistic Excellence

The Augusta Opera was known for presenting a diverse repertoire, ranging from classic operas to American works and musical theater. Notable productions included Puccini’s La Bohème, Verdi’s La Traviata, and Douglas Moore’s The Ballad of Baby Doe, among others. The company often featured internationally acclaimed artists alongside local talent, fostering both artistic excellence and community engagement.

Critical reviews of Augusta Opera performances, particularly those conducted by guest maestros such as Thomas Conlin, have been highly favorable. For example, a review of La Traviata in the Augusta Chronicle praised the orchestral playing as “some of the best…in years,” and highlighted the sensitive balance between orchestra and singers. The chorus and ensemble work were also noted for their vigor and precision, contributing to the overall high standard of the company’s productions.

Community Impact and Educational Outreach

Educational Programs

Beyond its mainstage productions, the Augusta Opera placed significant emphasis on educational outreach. Like many nonprofit arts organizations in Georgia, it sought to introduce opera and classical music to new audiences, particularly young people. Outreach programs often included school performances, workshops, and collaborations with local educators. This approach aligns with broader trends in Georgia’s arts sector, where organizations are recognized for their role in arts education and community development.

Economic and Social Contributions

The arts and culture sector in Georgia, which includes organizations like the Augusta Opera, has been shown to generate substantial economic activity. According to recent studies, nonprofit arts organizations in Georgia supported nearly 20,000 jobs and generated more than $1.3 billion in economic activity in 2022 alone. These organizations not only create employment but also attract audiences who spend money on local businesses, thereby supporting the broader community.

On a social level, the arts are widely acknowledged as vital to community well-being. Studies indicate that 86% of Americans believe arts and culture are important to their community’s quality of life, and 89% consider cultural venues a source of neighborhood pride. The Augusta Opera, through its performances and outreach, contributed to this sense of shared identity and community pride in Augusta.

Audience and Cultural Significance

Audience Demographics

The Augusta Opera’s audience was diverse, drawing from Augusta’s local population as well as visitors from surrounding areas. Augusta itself is a city with a rich cultural heritage, known for its contributions to music, theater, and the arts. The opera company’s programming appealed to both seasoned opera-goers and newcomers, with efforts made to make performances accessible through community discounts and educational initiatives.

Cultural and Social Significance

Opera companies like Augusta’s play a crucial role in fostering cultural dialogue and providing shared experiences. They bring together people of different backgrounds, promote empathy, and serve as platforms for artistic expression. In Georgia, the arts are seen as tools for community revitalization, education, and economic development. The Augusta Opera’s legacy is thus intertwined with the city’s ongoing efforts to build a vibrant, inclusive, and creative community.

Press and Media Coverage

While specific press coverage of AugustaOpera.com is limited in recent years due to the company’s closure, historical records and reviews in local and national media reflect the organization’s impact. Productions were often covered by local newspapers such as the Augusta Chronicle, which provided critical reviews and highlighted the company’s contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.

The company’s performances were also recognized in the broader context of American opera. For example, The Ballad of Baby Doe, a work performed by the Augusta Opera, has been the subject of national attention for its historical and musical significance.

Reviews and Public Reception

Audience reviews, particularly those related to the Imperial Theatre, provide insight into the public’s experience of Augusta Opera performances. Patrons frequently praised the quality of productions, the talent of performers, and the unique atmosphere of the theater. Some reviews compared local productions favorably to those seen in major cities, noting the high caliber of Augusta’s artistic community.

However, there were also constructive criticisms regarding the physical condition of the venue and the need for modernization. These comments reflect broader challenges faced by historic theaters and arts organizations in maintaining facilities while delivering high-quality programming.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Although the Augusta Opera ceased operations in 2009, its influence persists in several ways:

• Cultural Infrastructure: The company helped establish Augusta as a center for the performing arts in Georgia, contributing to the city’s reputation for artistic excellence

• Community Engagement: Its educational and outreach programs laid the groundwork for ongoing arts education initiatives in the region.

• Economic Impact: The opera’s activities supported local jobs, businesses, and tourism, demonstrating the broader economic value of the arts.

• Artistic Inspiration: Alumni and collaborators of the Augusta Opera continue to contribute to the arts, both locally and beyond.

Context: Augusta’s Broader Arts Scene

Augusta’s arts scene is characterized by a rich diversity of organizations, from the Augusta Symphony and Ballet to community arts schools like the Augusta Mini Theatre, which focuses on providing arts education to underserved youth. The city’s commitment to the arts is further evidenced by public investment and the presence of institutions like Augusta University, which supports music and arts education.

The arts play a vital role in Augusta’s identity, serving as a source of pride and a catalyst for community development. This is consistent with statewide trends, where the arts are recognized for their contributions to quality of life, education, and economic growth.

 

AugustaOpera.com, as the digital face of the Augusta Opera, represented more than just a website—it was a gateway to a vibrant artistic tradition that shaped Augusta’s cultural landscape for decades. The company’s history, artistic achievements, and community impact exemplify the enduring value of the performing arts in Georgia. While the curtain has fallen on the Augusta Opera itself, its legacy lives on in the city’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and cultural enrichment.

 

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