Winter Park-based Central Florida Vocal Arts is celebrating its tenth season with a programming schedule that includes unique takes on classic productions.
The season opens with the Aug. 13 and 14 performances of “The Sound of Music” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Central Florida Vocal Arts and Space Coast Symphony Orchestra will bring the acclaimed stage musical into a modern light by focusing on the similarities between the struggles of its characters and those of the people of Ukraine. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to charities that provide aid to Ukraine including Artists United for Peace – FusionFest.
“The framework of the current conflict in Ukraine will be more subtle in the actual performance – nuances in the projected sets, program notes, the curtain speech, and an opportunity to donate to humanitarian aid in Ukraine,” Central Florida Vocal Arts Founder and Executive Director Theresa Smith-Levin told the32789.
The anniversary schedule continues with a celebration of the Halloween season as Opera del Sol presents a spooky production of “Hansel & Gretel.” Performances are scheduled for Oct. 28 and 29 in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and previews will be featured at the Spooky Empire horror convention, Oct. 21-23 at Orange County Convention Center.
Opera del Sol will then transform from the Halloween season to the yuletide spirit with a continuation of its 2019 “opera on” performances with Opera on a Train. The family-friendly series, enjoying it’s post-COVID revival, will be presented on select dates in December with SunRail riders enjoying original holiday-themed music from professional carolers. Hot chocolate will be served on the musical ride around the city, and sensory-friendly versions of the performance will also be available.
Central Florida Vocal Arts’ passion for spotlighting local writers will take center stage in a public workshop, scheduled in early 2023, which will focus on a soon-to-be-announced original musical in collaboration with a celebrated, local playwright. Details are still in the works.
The season will conclude with a production of Lucy Simon’s “The Secret Garden,” featuring promising young talent performing side-by-side with professional artists. Performances are scheduled for May 5-7, 2023, at the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater.
For tickets and information, go to CentralFloridaVocalArts.org, OperaDelSol.org, or DrPhillipsCenter.org.
Central Florida Vocal Arts and Opera del Sol merged in 2018 and have become part of the Winter Park Arts & Culture Alliance to further their dedication to re-imagining the future of vocal arts. They provide training to artists of all ages, and offer performance opportunities for up-and-coming professionals.