Name: The Cooper-bing Competition
Start: 2026-05-17T15:00:00
Location: The Westin Great Southern Columbus

Opera Columbus is set to captivate audiences with a diverse lineup of tantalizing performances and competitions. From the comedic escapades of 'The Marriage of Figaro' to the haunting allure of 'Rappaccini’s Daughter,' the season promises a rich tapestry of emotions and operatic mastery. Highlighted by the exhilarating Cooper-Bing Competition and the poignant tragedy of 'La Traviata,' this season is a celebration of both emerging talent and timeless masterpieces, all brought to life by an impressive cast of performers and creatives.

Opera Columbus: A Season of Laughter, Competition, and Timeless Tales

Opera Columbus is set to embark on an extraordinary season filled with timeless operatic masterpieces and fresh, compelling performances from the world's rising stars. From the comedic chaos of 'The Marriage of Figaro' to the haunting world of 'Rappaccini’s Daughter,' this season promises a rich tapestry of stories and voices. Not to be missed are the Cooper-Bing Competition and the historic 'The Anonymous Lover,' alongside the heart-wrenching drama of 'La Traviata.' Join us on a journey that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of opera.

Opera Columbus: A Journey Through Timeless Tales and New Voices

Opera Columbus is redefining the artistic landscape with a series of captivating events spanning comedy, opera, and competitions. From the comedic genius of Kountry Wayne to the timeless tragedy of La Traviata, and the historical significance of The Anonymous Lover, each event offers a unique narrative. Whether you're drawn to the humor at Chicago Improv or the poignant storytelling of Giuseppe Verdi, Opera Columbus promises an enriching experience. Join us as we explore the creativity, talent, and cultural depth that these events bring to the stage.

Opera Columbus: A Celebration of Diverse Artistic Narratives

Opera Columbus presents a series of enchanting performances that delve into themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and legacy. From Daniel Catán's 'Rappaccini’s Daughter' and Paola Prestini's 'The Old Man and the Sea' to the timeless 'La Traviata' by Giuseppe Verdi, each opera offers a unique exploration of human emotion and societal challenges. Complementing these performances is the prestigious Cooper-Bing Competition, which showcases the next generation of opera talent. Join us as we explore these captivating productions and the dedicated artists who bring them to life.

Opera Columbus: A Journey Through Time and Emotion

Opera Columbus is set to captivate audiences with a series of immersive performances and a prestigious vocal competition. Ranging from the enigmatic tales of 'Rappaccini’s Daughter' to the heart-rending tragedy of 'La Traviata', these events promise an enriching experience. Alongside these operatic masterpieces, the Cooper-Bing Competition seeks to discover and support the next generation of opera talent. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, these events are a testament to the enduring power and evolution of opera.

Opera Columbus: A Celebration of Timeless Stories and Emerging Voices

Opera Columbus

The Anonymous Lover (1780), known in French as L’Amant Anonyme, this charming two-act romantic comedy chamber opera by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges is adapted from a comedic play by Stéphanie Félicité de Genlis (Madame de Genlis). It centers on Léontine, a wealthy widow who begins receiving ardent letters and gifts from a secret admirer. Unbeknownst to her, the devoted suitor is actually her close friend Valcour, who conceals his identity out of fear of rejection. Through spirited misunderstandings and heartfelt revelations, Léontine learns the truth, culminating in a joyful resolution that celebrates the power of genuine devotion and trust. Will love win? Joseph Bologne’s stirring music is complemented by a fresh book adaptation from the pen of Obie Award-winning Boston playwright Kirsten Greenidge, mixing English dialogue with the original French singing. The third of Bologne’s six operas, The Anonymous Lover was his most successful opera, and the only one that has survived to this day. The work holds a significant place in the annals of music history, standing as one of the first known operas composed by a Black artist.

The Anonymous Lover

Palace Theatre 

In a co-production with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, CAPA and Opera Columbus. Composed by Giuseppe Verdi and inspired by Alexandre Dumas Fils’s play La Dame aux camélias, La Traviata unfolds as a poignant tragedy. Officially the most performed opera worldwide, La Traviata is Verdi’s twisting love story that explores class, reputation and devotion, with heartbreaking consequences. The story centers on Violetta Valéry, a celebrated courtesan who discovers true love in the arms of Alfredo Germont. However, social pressures and Alfredo’s disapproving father compel her to renounce their love for the sake of his family’s reputation. Overcome by heartbreak and illness, Violetta ultimately finds her way back to Alfredo, but their reconciliation comes too late—she dies in his arms, underscoring the opera’s powerful themes of love, sacrifice, and societal judgment.

La Traviata

Ohio Theatre

The Cooper-Bing is an internationally recognized vocal competition that has celebrated and supported emerging young artists in opera. Dubbed “The Olympics of Opera”, this competition encourages talent, creates artistic opportunity, and helps welcome the next generation into the professional opera community. Five finalists compete for the grand prize of $10,000! The 2025 competition will be emceed by Christopher Purdy.

The Cooper-bing Competition

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