“Act Up!”, June 26, Dickens Opera House, Longmont
This offbeat evening offers some unusual pairings. The traditional Boulder Opera joins with the adventurous Opera on Tap for a program that combines Act I of Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte” and Act II of Bizet’s “Carmen.” It’s enough to make you drink, and you can, with fare from the Dickens Tavern upstairs. Reserve a seat early for this one.
Dickens Opera House, 300 Main Street, Longmont, 303-834-9384 or dickensoperahouse.com.
“Don Quixote and the Duchess,” July 28-Aug. 6, Central City Opera
The Central City Opera is trying some new things this season with the potential to shake up the summer music scene in interesting ways. One of them is this production of “Don Quixote and the Duchess,” by baroque composer Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, which premiered in 1743. It’s an unusual title in unusual venues, with two performances at the Martin Foundry in Central City and one way over at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. The shows are in English, feature up-and-coming singers, and go for just $25.
Various locations, 303-292-6700 or centralcityopera.org.
“La Traviata,” July 11-Aug. 8, Central City Opera
Verdi’s masterpiece should play well in the historic opera house. The story of poor Violetta Valery and her quest for love is tragic in all the right ways, a nice, traditional choice for this old- world setting. Ellie Dehn makes her Central City Opera debut with Ryan MacPherson as her earnest Alfredo Germont.
124 Eureka St., Central City, 303-292-6700 or centralcityopera.org.
“Don Pasquale,” July 22-26, Crested Butte Music Festival
This festival in the remote reaches of Colorado has increasing ambitions to become a major music destination. This year, the main event is Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale,” a comic draw that could bring in some new faces. Bass Kevin Glavin makes his festival debut and Fenlon Lamb directs.
Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Crested Butte, 970-349-0619 or crestedbuttemusicfestival.org.
“La Finta Giardiniera,” Santa Fe Opera, July 25-Aug. 21
Mozart’s twisting tale of love and madness in a lush garden is the dare of summer for opera fans. The comic romp has never been listed among the composer’s best. But Mozart is the master, and you have to love the Santa Fe Opera for plunging into a piece we rarely get to hear. I say trust this company and take a chance.
Santa Fe Opera House, Santa Fe, N.M., 505-986-5900 or santafeopera.org.
“The Cows of Apollo” and “The Classical Style,” July 30-Aug. 1, Aspen Music Festival
Aspen’s treat for hard-core opera lovers in 2015 is this double bill of two, short, sweet, newish, and funny works. “The Classical Style,” composed by Steven Stucky with a libretto by pianist Jeremy Denk, pokes fun at the music in a way that should delight classical insiders. “The Cows of Apollo,” with music by Christopher Theofanidis and libretto by William M. Hoffman, calls for “soloists, chorus, orchestra, rock singer and band.” Enough said.
Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen, 970-925-9042 or aspenmusicfestival.com.
“Cold Mountain,” Aug. 1-22, Santa Fe Opera
Easily the most anticipated world premiere in all of opera this summer, this adaptation of Charles Frazier’s popular Civil War novel has a score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon and lots of promise. It also has able-bodied baritone Nathan Gunn as wounded soldier W. P. Inman, with backup support from rising tenor Jay Hunter Morris as Teague. It can’t fail, probably.
Santa Fe Opera House, Santa Fe, N.M., 505-986-5900, santafeopera.org.
“Aida,” Aug. 7, Aspen Music Festival
Aspen’s production of Verdi’s popular masterpiece is semi-staged but it won’t be half-baked. The soloists are top-notch, with soprano Tamara Wilson and tenor Issachah Savage among them and the fest’s own music director Robert Spano conducting. Add in the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chorus and you’ve got a hot ticket on your hands. If you buy one soon, that is.
Benedict Music Tent, Aspen Music Festival, 970-925-9042 or aspenmusicfestival.com.
Elizabeth Futral Master class, Aug. 8, Emerald City Opera
This Steamboat Springs enterprise is coming on strong. It has a promising new artistic director in Andres Cladera and interesting things on tap, like this intimate master class that’s open to the public. Futral is a hot commodity in opera, talented and totally watchable. She’ll star in Opera Colorado’s “Scarlet Letter” next season.
Bud Werner Memorial Library Hall, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1996 or emeraldcityopera.com.
