Opera Santa Barbara contributes to the cultural enrichment of audiences by presenting exciting, high-quality productions and community programs that celebrate the breadth and beauty of opera.

Two tickets to either Cavalleria Rusticana, Caesar & Cleopatra or Elmer Gantry.

Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana:

Opera Santa Barbara’s new production of Cavalleria Rusticana draws you into the rugged beauty of 19th century Sicily—the sun-baked villages and orange groves. Against this backdrop, Mascagni’s melodies soar as real people face real consequences.

Friday, November 7, 2025 at 7:30
Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:30

George Frederick Handel’s Caesar & Cleopatra:

Steamy passion, ruthless politics, and vocal pyrotechnics abound in Handel’s best known opera, inspired by antiquity’s notorious power couple.

Think House of Cards in ancient Egypt.

Starring Colin Ramsey and Anastasia Malliaras, and directed by Pacific Opera Project’s irrepressible Josh Shaw.

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:30
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2:30

Robert Aldridge ’s Elmer Gantry:

Greed, lust, and old-time religion burst into flames in Aldridge and Garfein’s gospel-infused opera, based on Sinclair Lewis’ satirical novel and the movie that won Burt Lancaster his first Oscar. Starring Evan Bravos as Elmer Gantry and Christina Pezzarossi as Sharon Falconer.

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 7:30

Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:30