A real ‘powerhouse’: A sneak peek at Palm Beach Opera’s 2024 season
The combination of dramatic shows and world-class performers promises to make this one of Palm Beach Opera’s most memorable seasons ever.
Patrons of the Palm Beach Opera rejoice — the 2024 season promises to be among the strongest and most unforgettable that the company has ever produced. “After the incredible success of our 2023 season, which surpassed revenue goals and welcomed many first-time audiences, we are thrilled to follow up with such a powerhouse season,” said Palm Beach Opera’s General and Artistic Director David Walker. “Featuring three of the most illustrious and significant operas in the repertoire — all performed by acclaimed artists from around the world — the 2024 season will continue the tradition of excellence for which Palm Beach Opera is known.” Mark your calendars for Jan. 26-28, 2024, when the season kicks off with a presentation of “Tosca” — considered by many aficionados to be among the greatest operas of all time. Walker noted that Palm Beach Opera chose to open the season with “Tosca” because it’s the ideal way to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the death of legendary Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. “Tosca” is among Puccini’s most stirring works. It offers both high-voltage drama and a sensuous score, set against the backdrop of Rome. Palm Beach Opera’s second mainstage production will present Jacques Offenbach’s fantastical “The Tales of Hoffmann” (March 1-3, 2024). This opera features a compelling portrait of a man who is haunted by his past. Sophisticated and imaginative, this was Offenbach’s final — and perhaps greatest — work. Its combination of emotional depth and musical creativity make it a show that both longtime opera fans and neophytes to the genre will enjoy. Closing out the 2024 season April 5-7, will be Vincenzo Bellini’s “Norma.” This fiery piece by Bellini features a timeless story, dazzling vocals, and one fearless priestess. Opera fans know that, because “Norma” is so rarely performed live — this is the first time in 15 years for Palm Beach Opera — to experience it is an unusual treasure. Both “Tosca” and “Norma” will be sung in Italian while “The Tales of Hoffmann” will be sung in French. All three shows will have English supertitles projected above the stage and be performed at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach).
‘ The 2024 season will continue the tradition of excellence for which Palm Beach Opera is known.’ David Walker, Palm Beach Opera’s general and artistic director
Just as exciting as Palm Beach Opera’s 2024 season, so too will be the annual gala — set for Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at The Breakers Palm Beach (1 South County Road, Palm Beach). Attendees will be treated to an evening of elegance and fine dining. But what sets Palm Beach Opera’s annual gala apart is the one-of-a-kind live entertainment. The 2024 gala will feature the artistry of world-renowned mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard. Hailed as “opera’s most in-demand singer” by “Town & Country” magazine, Leonard, a three-time Grammy Award winner, has been wowing audiences worldwide since making her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2007. Palm Beach Opera patrons may recall that Leonard first performed live with the company at the 2021 Festival, which was held outdoors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now she’ll be back and treating a local audience to a special private performance. “Usually, you’d have to travel to New York City or to Europe to see a performer like Isabel Leonard,” said Walker. “To see her live in such an intimate environment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”