Festival del Sole presents its first full-length chamber opera by one of classical music’s most influential figures of the 20^th century, the great Leonard Bernstein. A one-act opera, Trouble in Tahiti is Bernstein’s candid portrait of a troubled marriage in the suburbs. Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the late Leonard Bernstein, directs, and Michael Barrett conducts the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra in a performance that artfully mixes the grandeur and melancholy of West Side Story with the jazzy rhythms of On the Town.

What becomes a Legend most? When it comes to the career of Academy Award-winning screen goddess Sophia Loren, many things come to mind. But it’s hard to resist her zest for living and pursuit of creativity, beauty and love. In many ways, these are also philosophies that Festival del Sole shares. Which is just one reason we are so proud to present this truly special celebration honoring Ms. Loren in her 80th birthday year. 

Festival del Sole comes to a triumphant close with its annual Opera Gala. This year, the performance features the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra and two leading opera stars – soprano Maria Agresta and tenor Matthew Polenzani – performing songs and arias from some of the most beloved Italian operas. Maestro Carlo Ponti conducts.