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Vero Beach Opera Presents Puccini’s Girl of the Golden West

Opera Other Arts and Culture

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Vero Beach Opera
Puccini’s Girl of the Golden West
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2:30pm
Leonhardt Auditorium

$20 per person for VBMA Members and Vero Beach Opera Members; $25 per person for non-members

Space is limited; pre-registration required.
Tickets include admission to the galleries. Come early to see the exhibition.

The first opera to have its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera, The Girl of the Golden West confused audiences and critics in 1910. It had a different shape from Butterfly and Tosca, it seemed to lack arias, and Puccini was trying to create a new musical style for the twentieth century. In this lecture, Ian Campbell, Vero Beach Opera’s master of ceremonies, will discuss the impact of the libretto and its historical background, as the California gold miners of 1849 come to America from all corners of the world seeking their fortunes. Minnie, the beautiful, chaste owner of the Polka Saloon, is courted by lonely miners, the sheriff, and a Mexican bandit. She finds love with her first kiss but must save her chosen man from a lynch mob. Is it the first “spaghetti western”, an “American opera”, an “Italian opera” set in America, or a story of love, hope and moral redemption?

Vero Beach Opera
Puccini’s Girl of the Golden West
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2:30pm
Leonhardt Auditorium

$20 per person for VBMA Members and Vero Beach Opera Members; $25 per person for non-members

Space is limited; pre-registration required.
Tickets include admission to the galleries. Come early to see the exhibition.

The first opera to have its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera, The Girl of the Golden West confused audiences and critics in 1910. It had a different shape from Butterfly and Tosca, it seemed to lack arias, and Puccini was trying to create a new musical style for the twentieth century. In this lecture, Ian Campbell, Vero Beach Opera’s master of ceremonies, will discuss the impact of the libretto and its historical background, as the California gold miners of 1849 come to America from all corners of the world seeking their fortunes. Minnie, the beautiful, chaste owner of the Polka Saloon, is courted by lonely miners, the sheriff, and a Mexican bandit. She finds love with her first kiss but must save her chosen man from a lynch mob. Is it the first “spaghetti western”, an “American opera”, an “Italian opera” set in America, or a story of love, hope and moral redemption?

Special Instructions
$20 per VBMA and Vero Beach Opera member; $25 per nonmember (includes museum admission)
More about Vero Beach Museum of Art
Vero Beach Museum of Art, the largest cultural arts facility of its kind on Florida's Treasure Coast, is a precious cultural gem that is admired and appreciated by residents and tourists alike. Its permanent collection of American and international art from the mid-19th century to the present includes significant works across numerous media. The comprehensive art facility features five galleries, an education wing with art studios, an interactive kids space, seminar rooms, a 250-seat auditorium, museum store, and exceptional public spaces for art installations and public programs. Docent tours—free with Museum admission—are available each day at 2:00 p.m. Throughout the year, the Museum presents global exhibitions, so there is always something new to see. The Museum offers free admission to the general public on the Second Saturday of every month to ensure broad community access to exhibitions. Visit www.vbmuseum.org for hours of operation and admission & discounts.
When & Where
Mar 1, 2026, 2:30pm to 3:30pm Timezone: EST
$20.00


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