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Wolf Trap Opera alumnus John Holiday (’14) has established himself as “one of the finest countertenors of his generation” (Los Angeles Times). Holiday enjoys an international career singing with opera companies such as the Metropolitan Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper (Munich), and Lyric Opera of Chicago, among others. Now, he returns to The Barns to sing works by Price, Bonds, Robert L. Morris, Gershwin, and more.

Get ready for an unforgettable, Picasso-esque look at Mozart’s masterpiece. Quick-witted Figaro hatches a plan to thwart the Count’s scheme to seduce his bride-to-be, Susanna. A comical riot of mistaken identities, disguises, and delightful chaos ensues. Secrets are revealed, but love triumphs with Mozart’s dazzling score and a fast-paced, brilliant exploration of class, love, and loyalty. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer, The Marriage of Figaro promises unending artistry, humor, and exhilaration through every note.

The intimate essence of the recital is celebrated during these limited-capacity, artist-curated evenings. Come early for dinner and stay for a bespoke musical journey crafted by the performers. Each not-to-be-missed salon will showcase wildly different programs and artists. Don't miss the opportunity to hear these singers in unparalleled closeness.

Superstar pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet brings vibrant color to George Gershwin’s jazzy Piano Concerto in F—a bluesy masterwork filled with Charleston rhythms. Closing the program is Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, an exotic journey of love, peril, and intrigue inspired by the famous folktale about a clever young queen who spins 1,001 fantastical stories to outwit a murderous sultan.

Set amid the turmoil of the French Revolution, Dialogues of the Carmelites tells the haunting story of Blanche de la Force, a young woman torn by fear and faith. Seeking refuge in a Carmelite convent, she finds unexpected courage through the unwavering devotion of her fellow nuns. In a powerful act of faith and solidarity, the nuns face martyrdom together, singing to their final breaths. Poulenc’s emotionally charged opera is a profound testament to conviction, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.

“O Fortuna!” Carmina Burana’s towering first movement rolls in like thunder, announcing a celebration of spring, the delightful debauchery of nights at a tavern, and the joys and sorrows of love. Although the words were written by medieval monks, this outrageous cantata is an unstoppable force brimming with bawdy, irreverent satire on the ever-changing fate of man. The National Symphony Orchestra, two choruses, and stars of the Wolf Trap Opera come together for Carl Orff’s epic choral masterwork. The evening ends with selections of the best loved melodies from the famous opera, Carmen. Come hear Wolf Trap Opera perform the entire show on August 15th.

Step into the sultry streets of Seville, where desire and danger intertwine in Bizet’s timeless masterpiece. At its heart is the fiery Carmen, whose seductive charm ensnares the heart of a young soldier, only to lead them both toward an inevitable clash of honor, love, and tragedy. With its electrifying drama and iconic score, featuring unforgettable melodies like the “Habanera” and the “Toreador Song,” Carmen is a celebration of freedom, passion, and fate. A must-see for seasoned opera lovers and first-time attendees.