Martinez, Shelton, Jansen, et al. Set for Puccini Passion at Opera Pacific

Grammy winner Ana Maria Martinez, Chad Shelton, and Cynthia Jansen are among the soloists who will perform in Opera Pacific’s second annual Opera Under the Stars production, Puccini Passion, at the Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach, September 13.

The evening will pay special tribute to the 150th anniversary of the opera composer’s birth and will feature selections such as “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchii, “Donde lieta usci” from La Bohéme, and “E lucevan le stelle” from Tosca. John DeMain will lead the Opera Pacific Orchestra and Chorus, along with an all-star cast of singers including Ernest Alvarez, Shana Blake Hill, Jansen, Quinn Kelsey, Martinez, and Shelton.

Patrons are invited to arrive early when the Festival grounds open at 5:00 pm for a picnic. Opera Pacific’s 2008-2009 Main Stage season will include Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, October 22-November 1, The Grapes of Wrath, January 21-31, and Richard Strauss’ Salome October 22- November 1, 2009.

For more information, call 800-346-7372 or visit operapacific.org.