STANDING OVATIONS FOR TOSCA

A brilliantly cast and staged production of Puccini’s Tosca received an enthusiastic standing ovation at Koger Center on March 2.

Palmetto Opera presented Tosca  in partnership with  Teatro Lirico D’Europa, a highly acclaimed international opera company.  The performance featured Teatro’s acclaimed soloists, cast, and a full orchestra.

Puccini’s three main figures were brought to life on the stage; Soprano Rosa D’Imperio as Tosca, a famous singer; tenor Jorge Antonio Pita as Cavaradossi, a painter and Tosca’s lover; and William Powers as Baron Scarpia, the sadistic chief of the Roman police.

The production saw local opera buffs and students from the USC School of music debut on Koger’s stage.  They performed in the cathedral scene and as members of the chorus.

Local talent included Moe Baddourah; Frances Brannon; Constance Fleming; Horace Harmon; Rhonda Hunsinger; Grace McFadden; Nick Propst; Bill Rogers; Eric Ruschky, Esq.;  Audrey Skrupskellis, Ph.D.; James R. Snell, Jr., Esq.; Hoyt Wheeler, Ph.D.; Shannon Williamson; and Ilsa Young.

Students from the USC School of Music performing with Teatro’s chorus include:  Alexis Blevins; Jonathan Cawley; Johnnie Felder; Kayla Fore; Kathryn Leitner; Karly Minacapelli; Chase Nelson; John Pritchard; and Joshua Wentz.

Palmetto Opera Chair, Kathy Newman, welcomed the audience and shared plans for the future of the Palmetto Opera.  “Opera is the fasted growing performance art in the world,” she said, “and our goal is to bring grand opera to our capital and our state.  Our vision is three productions per season, and next season we will graduate from one production per season to two, Bizet’s Carmen and a Tribute to Pavarotti.”

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