Carmen played by Lisa Marie Rogali. -COURTESY PHOTO
Gulfshore Opera (GO) launches “Season 12: Unparalleled. Unforgettable. Unmissable.” with a vibrant, classic staging of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” – a tour of three performances that places full-scale grand opera on the region’s major stages. GO is the only production company presenting full-scale grand opera at Artis—Naples, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and Charlotte Performing Arts Center.
“Carmen” unfolds in 1830s Seville, where freedom, passion, and jealousy collide. This locally produced grand opera boasts 10 world-class soloists, a chorus of 65, ages 8 to 80, accompanied by a full orchestra. The production honors Bizet’s original spirit with traditional Spanish scenery, richly hued costumes, and bold visuals that capture the fiery soul of this famous opera. The tour features distinguished orchestral partners: Florida Philharmonic Orchestra (Dec. 2 – Barbara B. Mann; Dec. 4 – Charlotte Performing Arts Center) and Naples Philharmonic (Dec. 7 – Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples).
Lisa Marie Rogali who will be playing the lead role of Carmen. -COURTESY PHOTO
In the title role, GO features acclaimed mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali, whose portrayal of Carmen is irresistibly free-spirited and emotionally magnetic. The Virginia Pilot describes her Carmen role debut with Virginia Opera as “the essence of sultry, supple sex appeal, especially when she lounges on a table or seductively dances to castanets.” This young rising star has performed leading roles at Virginia Opera, Minnesota Opera, Detroit Opera and Sarasota Opera.
“After an international search, Miss Rogali was my top choice for the title role. I am convinced that she is destined to become one of the greatest Carmens of this era. With her natural beauty and dark chocolate vocal timber, she embodies this passionate, fearless young woman,” said Steffanie Pearce, general director and artistic director of Gulfshore Opera. “Season 12 channels that fearless energy across everything we present, pairing world-class voices with the approachable sophistication our audiences love.”
Additional Season 12 Highlights (Lee & Collier)
In the Voice of Shakespeare – Jan. 23, 2026; Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples
An intimate concert of arias, songs, and ensembles inspired by Shakespeare – Othello, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet – performed by nationally recognized opera artists in the acoustically rich Daniels Pavilion.
Masked Moments of Opera – March 5, 2026; Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples
A dazzling collection of operatic scenes where disguise, deception, and desire take center stage – excerpts from Die Fledermaus, Verdi’s A Masked Ball, Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, The Phantom of the Opera, and more.
Masquerade – Reception & Dinner (GO Signature Fundraiser) – March 5, 2026; 6:30 p.m.; Ubben Event Space, Artis—Naples
A sophisticated evening following the concert, with themed décor, curated cuisine, surprise performances, and convivial company. Masks encouraged.
Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess – March 27, 2026; Charlotte Performing Arts Center • March 31, 2026; 7 p.m., and April 1, 2026; 4 p.m.; Norris Center, Naples
An abbreviated, tour-ready telling of Gershwin’s jazz-infused masterwork – Summertime, Bess, You Is My Woman Now, I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’ – featuring Metropolitan Opera bass-baritone Kevin Short and soprano Marsha Thompson.
Tickets & Information: gulfshoreopera.org • 239-529-3925
Media inquiries: Steffanie Pearce – steffanie@gulfshoreopera.org.
Performance calendar
Carmen – with Florida Philharmonic
Dec. 2, 2025; 7 p.m. – Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers.
Dec. 4, 2025; 7 p.m. – Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Punta Gorda.
Carmen – with Naples Philharmonic
Dec. 7, 2025; 7 p.m. – Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, Naples.
In the Voice of Shakespeare
Jan. 23, 2026; 7 p.m. – Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, Naples.
Masked Moments of Opera
March 5, 2026; 5 p.m. – Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, Naples.
Masquerade – Reception & dinner (GO Signature Fundraising Event)
March 5, 2026; 6:30 p.m. – Ubben Event Space, Artis—Naples.
Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess
March 27, 2026; 7 p.m. – Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Punta Gorda.
March 31, 2026; 7 p.m. and April 1, 2026; 4 p.m. – Norris Center, Naples.