Opera Santa Barbara was founded in 1994. The company was the focus of much attention for its 2009 world premiere production of Séance on a Wet Afternoon, the first opera by Stephen Schwartz, composer/lyricist of such musicals as Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin.

A favorite destination for opera lovers in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, OSB has recently presented such diverse works as Bizet’s Carmen, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. The company’s 2010-2011 season included Verdi’s La Traviata, a double bill of Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona and Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, and a concert by the renowned soprano Patricia Racette.

Opera Santa Barbara Information

• Venues: The Granada Theatre (1214 State Street); The Lobero Theatre
(33 East Canon Perdido Street)
• Public Transportation: Very Good (both theaters are within a 5-minute walk from all MTD buses at the Transit Center on Chapala Street between Carrillo and Figueroa Streets)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good for both theaters
• Performances/Programs: Approximately four productions per season
• Ticket Prices: Individual ticket prices vary widely depending on performance and choice of seating
• Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available to all productions of the season; discount rate varies (5%-15%) depending on choice of seating.