FIRST COAST OPERA PRESENTS VIVA ESPANA

First Coast Opera salutes Romanza Week with Viva Espana, a multi-dimensional celebration of classical and popular music inspired by great Spanish traditions from all over the world. Led by Director, Regina Torres, and Musical Director, Bryant Miano, FCO highlights the talents of three extraordinary vocalists: favorite mezzo-soprano, Janet Rabe-Meyer, Spanish Cabaret member Juan Unzueta, and Latin specialist Pablo Pomales-Ojeda (who sang with Bella Voce for EMMA’s last concert). Joining them are Guitarist Dennis Fermin, the St. Augustine Ballet, and Cuban dancer Joel Mejias.
The St. Augustine ballet, under the direction of Artistic Director, Luis Abella, will perform excerpts from Paquita, a classical ballet set in Spain, choreographed in 1847 by the master Marius Petipa. Mr. Abella has adapted this choreography and added some of his own. Joel Mejias has toured the world with the Spanish Nacional Ballet de Cuba, performed at several Grammy Award shows, appeared in music videos, and has danced with an array of incredible performers, including Gloria Estafan, Madonna, Celia Cruz and Julio Iglesias. He danced in Las Vegas with the Cirque du Soleil production Mystére; then Joel found his way to the quaint town of St. Augustine, where he continues to perform his art.
First Coast Opera is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and is partially funded by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.