Stage Director

Director

One of the most iconic, romantic, and tragic stories of all time. Scandalous love between a courtesan, the iconic Violetta, and an upper crust young man blissfully blooms until societal expectations force her to confront what sacrifices she is willing to make in exchange for his honor. This exquisite, traditional staging of one of the art form’s most popular operas flourishes with the passion, hope and costs of love.

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La Traviata

Orpheum Tower

Christmas Eve, Paris, an attic garret...that first touch of cold hands in the dark as the music swells. Against the backdrop of 19th century Paris, the hopes and dreams of a group of young bohemians collide with the realities of poverty and disease. Whether it is your first or your hundredth experience, La bohème never fails to cast its spell. Packed with some of opera’s most cherished moments, this tale of tragic young love became the basis for the popular musicals Moulin Rouge and Rent. With a ravishing score that brought Puccini international fame, this is the perfect opera for first-timers and aficionados alike.

2023 La bohème

Alice Busch Opera Theater

Verdi's Rigoletto has often been called the greatest of all operas. Filled with famous arias, it is also a powerful drama about a flawed father's love. Rigoletto, the Duke's joker, has always willingly gone along with the Duke's abuses of power--until his own daughter falls victim to the Duke's charms.

Rigeletto

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Acis & Galatea, Handel's charming and most performed opera since its creation, tells a tale of love, jealousy, and mythological mischief. Join us for an opportunity to hear from our stage director, conductor, and lead tenor about this production described as this production as “visual poetry”.

Versed: Acis & Galatea

Wayne and Kristine Lueders Opera Center

Handel's charming and most performed opera since its creation, Acis & Galatea, tells a tale of love, jealousy, and mythological mischief. Director Meeker describes this production as “visual poetry”.  Imagine a shepherd falling for a sea nymph, only for a mythical cyclops to crash their love story. Fountains sprout from a lover’s tragic murder, adding a splash of resolution to heartbreak.

Acis & Galatea

Marcus Performing Arts Center

Experience the poignant tragedy and mesmerizing beauty of Giacomo Puccini's "Madame Butterfly" as it returns to the Austin Opera in April 2025. This heart-wrenching opera tells the story of the young geisha Cio-Cio-San, known as Butterfly, who is seduced and abandoned by the dashing U.S. Navy Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century Japan, the opera explores themes of love, betrayal, and cultural clash.

The production features a talented cast including soprano Raquel González as Cio-Cio-San, tenor Joseph Dennis as Pinkerton, and mezzo-soprano Kristen Choi as Suzuki, Butterfly’s loyal friend. Conducted by Timothy Myers and directed by E. Loren Meeker, this collaboration between Austin Opera and Opera San Antonio promises a stunning and traditional rendition of the classic opera.

Performances are scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. This groundbreaking partnership highlights the artistic resources of both companies, beginning in San Antonio on April 17, 2024, before moving to Austin.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness one of opera's most heartbreaking stories brought to life on stage. Subscribe today, and mark your calendars for the sale of single tickets on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Join us for a performance that promises to be a highlight of the 2024-2025 season at the Austin Opera.

E. Loren Meeker

Stage Director, Director

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 28, 2025

Versed: Acis & Galatea · The Florentine Opera

14 - 16 Feb, 2025

Acis & Galatea · The Florentine Opera

25 - 27 Apr, 2025

Madame Butterfly · Austin Opera

Past events

16 - 18 Feb, 2024

La Traviata · Opera Omaha

Jul 7 - Aug 19, 2023

2023 La bohème · Glimmerglass Festival

About

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