Opera Orlando brings the spectacle and drama of Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo’s life and art to Steinmetz Hall in its 2023-24 All for Art season. Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s operatic celebration Frida is a poetic and beautiful retelling of the artist’s life: her childhood during the Mexican Revolution, the devastating accident that left her barren, her tempestuous marriage to muralist Diego Rivera, and her association with the Mexican Communist Party. Mexican folklore and culture will be on full display during this colorful, majestic pageant of Frida’s life. The score, written for chamber orchestra, mixes mariachi-style orchestrations, classical opera, and hints of Mexican folk songs for an alluring musical reflection of the beguiling artist all played masterfully from the pit by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Argentinian maestro Jorge Parodi. Collaborating with maestro Parodi in developing this all-new production will be stage director John de los Santos. The Opera will welcome back Mexican-American soprano Cecilia Violetta López to sing the iconic title role, and Venezuelan-American baritone Bernardo Bermudez makes his Company debut as Frida’s formidable husband Diego Rivera.
For questions about tickets and assistance with purchases, please contact the Dr. Phillips Center box office directly at 407.358.6603 or boxoffice@drphillipscenter.org