Jaraguá do Sul is one of the few cities in Brazil with the infrastructure to host operas
For at least five years now, the Santa Catarina International Music Festival (FEMUSC)—now in its 21st edition—has dedicated one night of its program to celebrating the talent and power of operatic singing. This will take place this Friday, January 16, during the “Opera Night” at 8:30 PM in the SCAR Grand Theater.
Unlike the presentation of the opera Onheama (January 23 and 24), where the work will be performed in its entirety, the Opera Night features singers performing arias (songs) from various operas.
In total, there will be 11 arias from famous operas, including the comic The Barber of Seville, which features the iconic “Figaro… Figaro… Figaro…” passage. The performances range from comedy to romance, including pieces inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
“Opera is a sung drama that tells stories of love, humor, revenge, jealousy, and other emotions that have been part of human history since the dawn of time,” explains Celine Imbert, a classical voice instructor at FEMUSC for over ten years. “An opera singer is also an actor. Beyond their voice, they use their body, gaze, and gestures to portray the characters and the story they are singing.”
On stage, the singers are accompanied by the FEMUSC orchestra and choir, which heighten the emotions conveyed in the songs. Although the pieces are not performed in Portuguese—one of the arias, for instance, is in Czech—the audience will have access to subtitles on a large screen. Before each performance, Celine also provides the audience with context regarding the era and the story behind each aria.
“We hope people come ready to enjoy the show,” says Alex Klein, FEMUSC’s artistic director. Tickets for the Opera Night are free and must be picked up at the box office between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. or obtained via the website femusc.com.br, with a limit of two tickets per person.
Jaraguá is one of the few cities in Brazil equipped to host operas
A suitable theater featuring full stagecraft infrastructure, an orchestra pit, state-of-the-art lighting, and a qualified technical team are among the characteristics that make Jaraguá do Sul one of the few cities in Brazil truly equipped to host operas.
“Jaraguá is the only mid-sized city in the country, to my knowledge, that has the proper facilities for opera. It is a privilege, and I hope the public embraces this opportunity,” says Alex Klein.
Commemorative concert in the Rio da Luz neighborhood
Also this Friday, at 7:00 PM, the first of three concerts—held in public spaces across the city—will take place as part of the celebrations marking Jaraguá do Sul’s 150th anniversary.
The Tchaikovsky Orchestra, comprising over 70 musicians, is moving from the SCAR theater to perform at the Belo Vale event venue in the historic Rio da Luz neighborhood. The group brings the community a selection of works by the Russian composer Tchaikovsky, featuring popular pieces specifically chosen to evoke the audience’s cherished memories. No tickets are required for the concert.
The 21st FEMUSC is organized under the Federal Government’s Rouanet Law for Cultural Project Incentives. It features Master Sponsorship from Itaú, Laranjinha Itaú, and WEG; sponsorship from DR Aromas & Ingredientes, Auroracoop, Grupo Elian, Zanotti Elásticos, and Porto de Itapoá; support from Master Operações Portuárias, Mime, Menegotti, Martinelli Advogados, and Unisociesc; and is produced by SCAR, FEMUSC, the Department of Culture, Sports and Leisure, and the Jaraguá do Sul City Hall.
