Stage Director

Director

For the first time ever, Shepherd School Chamber Players will join our annual Opera Scenes program, which will explore why contemporary works are so important in such an historic art form. A centerpiece of the scenes will be the World Premiere of Karim Al-Zand’s A Joint Interest (Shepherd School of Music 50th Anniversary Commission), conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Directed by Aleko Endowed Artist Paul Curran, Shepherd opera students will also perform scenes from contemporary American operas, accompanied by piano.

EPSG:4326

Modern American Opera Scenes

Brockman Hall For Opera

If any opera can break your heart, it surely is Madama Butterfly, the story of an innocent young Japanese girl, who — as her nickname foreshadows — is crushed by one of opera’s most callous cads, naval officer Lieutenant Pinkerton, who promises her a forever love. She is willing to give up her family and her religion to become a good “American” wife. From the ecstatic love duet on their wedding night, to the famous “humming chorus,” as she and her servant Suzuki await Pinkerton’s return, to the anguish of her suicide to preserve her honor — this deeply moving opera will resonate long after the last note has sounded. Performed by a star-studded cast of singers, orchestra and chorus, led by Luisi, a masterful opera conductor, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is this season’s stunning opera in concert.

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci are two classic Italian operas, rich in passion, drama, and musical brilliance.

Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci – Two Italian Opera Classics

Royal Danish Opera

Arguably the greatest operetta of all time, Die Fledermaus gets the royal treatment with gorgeous 1920s designs, an all-star ensemble cast, and a witty English translation. This new production, sparkling with melody, mischief, and masquerade, will be directed by Paul Curran and designed by Gary McCann, with lighting design by Johanna Town. Paul Daniel conducts the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Die Fledermaus

The Grange at Northington

Join us for an extraordinary evening celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s premier artist-development program.

This milestone concert features the 2024/25 Ensemble performing with members of the acclaimed Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola and directed by Paul Curran.

The program will include selections from Jacques Offenbach’s opera Orpheus in the Underworld, a delightful and satirical masterpiece that reimagines the classic Greek myth with wit, charm, and Offenbach’s signature "can-can" music. The concert also features additional repertoire to showcase the Ensemble’s wide-ranging talents.

Rising Stars in Concert 50th Anniversary

Lyric Opera House

Isolde has been captured by Tristan, who is delivering her as a trophy to his uncle, King Marke. She seeks death for them both, but when her maid swaps out the intended poison with a love potion, so begins an epic romance.

Tristan and Isolde

War Memorial Opera House

This evening, which we are calling The Puccini Duo, brings to life two great Puccini one-act operas. Suor Angelica tells the story of a woman (Marina Costa-Jackson) who bears a child out of wedlock and is sent to a convent for penance. After seven years, she is visited by her aunt, the Principessa, who brings tragic news of her son, which sets in motion a series of dire actions that ultimately result in tragedy, forgiveness, and peace. The comic-opera Gianni Schicchi begins with the death of wealthy Florentine Buoso Donati, and his distraught family who are upset about being forgotten in his will. So they enlist the help of fixer Gianni Schicchi who helps turn the tables, but not in the way they expect. Considered a comic masterpiece, this is a dark satire based on a real story mentioned in Dante’s Inferno and includes the famous aria “O mio babbino caro.” Making a welcome return for these performances is mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, who will sing the role of the Principessa in Suor Angelica, and will take on the title role of Gianni Schicchi, a role traditionally sung by a baritone, for an opera first! Directed by Paul Curran and conducted by Yves Abel, San Diego Opera’s Principal Conductor.

The Puccini Duo: Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi

San Diego Civic Theatre

One of the world's most popular operas ever! The irresistible Carmen captivates the eyes of every man she meets, including the lovesick soldier Don José. As he forsakes his military duty, his fiancée, and the law, his admiration becomes uncontrollable obsession and Carmen leaves him for prestige and freedom. Bizet's famous music accompanies a lethal dance of lust, love, and survival that only stops when the struggle for freedom ends.

Stage Director, Director

Paul Curran

Events

Upcoming events

2 - 17 May, 2026

Carmen · Seattle Opera

Past events

Feb 1, 2026

Modern American Opera Scenes · The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University

9 - 11 Jan, 2026

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly · Dallas Symphony Orchestra

About

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