Over the years, Opera Tampa has progressively introduced more works that are less commonly known or frequently staged, and this year is no exception. Back in the 1990s, when Opera Tampa was first established, its productions were largely focused on works familiar to the general public, even those who didn’t have much exposure to opera. Famous operas such as “La bohème,” “Carmen,” and “La traviata” were staples, recognizable even to people whose opera knowledge was limited to old Bugs Bunny cartoons. The repertoire aimed to familiarize the city with the joys of opera, offering a selection of what could be called the “greatest hits” of the opera world.
“I’d say it was probably the top 15 operas,” said Robin Stamper, who has been part of Opera Tampa for over a decade. He’s now in his fifth year as the artistic director. “Those will always be the anchors of our season.”
Opera Tampa’s 2025-26 mainstage season opens this Friday with an operatic adaptation of Henry James’ “The Turn of the Screw.” Three out of the four productions this season are lesser-known yet respected operas inspired by classic literary works. In addition to “The Turn of the Screw,” the season features operatic versions of Stephen King’s “The Shining” and William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” The fourth production, Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” is the most well-known and widely recognized opera of the season.
Stamper emphasized, “We will always be performing the top 15 or top 20. Those will always be the anchors of our season.”
Author’s Summary: Opera Tampa’s upcoming season offers a mix of lesser-known literary adaptations and popular operas, with “The Turn of the Screw” leading the charge.