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Opera Pacific has established itself as one of the finest professional opera companies in the nation. Opera Pacific's mainstage productions, extensive community outreach programs, and energetic Guild Alliance combine to create a cultural resource for all of Southern California. More than 670,000 people have enjoyed Opera Pacific's productions at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, while over 575,000 young people have discovered the world of opera through the company's in-school presentations, Student Previews, and nationally recognized Opera Camps.
Opera Pacific traces its roots to 1962 and the Festival of Opera Association in Laguna Beach. Productions were sung in English translation and preformed during late summer at the Irvine Bowl. To ensure a strong foundation for expansion, the Opera League of Laguna Beach was established to "encourage, support and sustain interest in the Festival of Opera." The first productions, included Madame Butterfly, The Marriage of Figaro, and The Barber of Seville. Adventurous repertory was not unusual in those early summer evenings at the bowl. I Pagliacci and The Devil and Daniel Webster were paired as a double bill in the 1965 season.
During the 1970s and 80s, Orange County grew into a unique metropolitan environment, distinct from other Southern California communities. Along with population, technology, and industry, came a sense of pride and independence. Many residents felt the calling to develop an enriched cultural life from their own resources. In the early 80s, members of the Laguna organization among other opera aficionados throughout Orange County joined to become the nucleus of an audience for the anticipated opening of the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. Opera Pacific was incorporated as the county's resident producing opera company.
The continued success of Opera Pacific has been built on solid performances of traditional repertory, world class artists and classics from musical theatre and operetta. Opera Pacific audiences have enjoyed stellar performances of Aida with Leona Mitchell, Carol Neblett, and singing the role for the first time in the United States, Maria Guleghina, La Bohčme with Jerry Hadley as Rodolfo, and Turandot with Johanna Meier and Alessandra Marc. The 1992/93 season included Verdi's Il Trovatore with two more Metropolitan Opera stars alternating as the heroine Leonora: Carol Vaness and Orange County's own Deborah Voigt.
Opera Pacific has been honored with many of opera's greatest living legends. Luciano Pavarotti made one of his rare West Coast visits in 1988, when he appeared in a special concert for Opera Pacific. In 1989, Dame Joan Sutherland elected to grace us with her final Norma at Opera Pacific. In 1991, it was standing room only for Plácido Domingo in concert with soprano Ann Panagulias. Diva Kathleen Battle made an angelic appearance 2001.
Opera Pacific continually strives to provide new artistic experiences for its patrons.
In addition to the "grand opera" repertory, Opera Pacific has responded to the need for strong, professional productions of classic American musical theatre and European operetta. Under the baton and dedication of John DeMain, opera is an event full of pageantry and honest communication that unites the audience with vocalists, music and instrument, thoughtful, glamorous and spectacular views creating a visual and musical splendor.
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