On July 16, 1945, New Mexicans awoke to Trinity, the world’s first nuclear test. Manhattan Project leaders did not inform residents, despite tens of thousands living nearby. In the years that followed, people in the surrounding areas began to report serious health issues. These individuals would be known as “Downwinders.” Downwind is the story of these people.

EPSG:4326

Downwind

University of Texas at Austin

What happens when ghosts fall in love? Inside the palace of Versailles, the long-dead Marie Antoinette is pursued by the (also long-dead) writer Beaumarchais, famous for his stories of Figaro and the Almaviva family. Will his newest opera assuage the royal’s sadness, joining them for eternity? Or, will its production alter the course of human history?

The Ghosts of Versailles Butler Opera Center

 The Parisian party girl Violetta is determined to leave her scandalous past behind her when she encounters unconditional love from a handsome poet named Alfredo. But when his disapproving father enters the picture, Violetta’s past re-emerges, and she is forced to make an impossible choice.

La Traviata

What do you call a person consumed with gambling, but who never places a bet? Tchaikovsky called him Hermann, a Russian soldier obsessed with the three cards that won a countess her fortune. Her mystery cards, however, are a secret that will ultimately drive Hermann to the brink of madness. With the lives of friends and lovers strewn along the way, Hermann finally takes a seat at the card table, and declares: “Life is but a game.” In games, there are winners and there are losers; when that third card is revealed, which will Hermann be?

Douglas Kinney Frost

Events

Upcoming events

17 - 26 Apr, 2026

Il Trittico · Butler School of Music

Past events

19 - 22 Feb, 2026

Downwind · Butler School of Music

20 - 23 Feb, 2025

The Ghosts of Versailles Butler Opera Center · Butler School of Music

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Il trittico by Puccini

Butler School of Music

About

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