Opera Santa Barbara has announced its 2025-26 season.

First up is “Cavalleria Rusticana,” starring Sarah Saturnino, Xavier Prado, and Todd Thomas. Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas conducts, and Layna Chianakas directs.

“Audiences loved our production of ‘Pagliacci’ last fall, so following up with its operatic ‘twin’, ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’ seemed like the natural next step”, said Protopapas, per an official press release. “In ‘Pagliacci’ we updated the action to Italy in the 1940’s. With ‘Cavalleria’ we are going back to a traditional production inspired by the Sicilian countryside. ‘Cavalleria’ concentrates everything we love about Italian opera in 90 minutes.”

Performance Dates: Nov. 7 & 9, 2025

“Caesar and Cleopatra,” an abridged version of “Giulio Cesare” is next on the slate with Colin Ramsey, Anastasia Malliaras, Logan Tanner, and Kelly Guerra. Emily Senturia conducts and Josh Shaw directs.

“Ever since the success of our ‘Semele’ in 2022, fans have been asking for more Händel,” said Protopapas. “For them we are creating a new adaptation of one of the master’s greatest works.”

Performance Dates: Feb. 27 & March 1, 2026

Closing out the season is “Elmer Gantry” by Robert Aldridge and Hershel Garfein.

“I watched the world premiere of Elmer in Milwaukee in 2005, and conducted it in Tulsa in 2014”, said Protopapas.“In my opinion it is one of the most entertaining and accessible operas of the 21st century so far, and I’ve been working on a new production at OSB for many years.”

Evan Bravos and Christina Pezzarossi star. Tara Faircloth directs.

Performance Dates: May 1 & 3, 2026