Opera Mississippi invites audiences to immerse themselves in an array of captivating events celebrating vocal artistry and cultural heritage. From the prestigious John Alexander National Vocal Competition to the transformative 'Songs for a New World' musical and the soulful 'Faith and Freedom: A Juneteenth Gospel Celebration,' these events promise to engage, inspire, and illuminate the power of the human voice and spirit through diverse musical expressions. Join us on this remarkable journey where opera, musical theatre, and gospel converge to create unforgettable experiences.

A Celebration of Voices: Exploring Opera Mississippi's 2026 Events

Opera Mississippi's 2026 season promises a remarkable journey through the art of musical storytelling. Kicking off with the John Alexander National Vocal Competition, audiences will witness the talents of opera's future stars. The season continues with the evocative 'Songs for a New World' by Jason Robert Brown, blending genres to capture transformative life moments. Culminating in 'Faith and Freedom: A Juneteenth Gospel Celebration,' honoring African American heritage and resilience, each event offers a unique musical experience.

Celebrating Voices and Stories: Opera Mississippi's Unforgettable 2026 Lineup

Opera Mississippi proudly presents National Champions in Concert!, the John Alexander National Vocal Competition Winners’ Concert, an electrifying afternoon of vocal brilliance honoring one of Mississippi’s greatest operatic legends, John Alexander (1923–1990). Named for the internationally renowned tenor from Meridian, this prestigious national competition draws the very best opera and musical theatre/crossover talent from across the country.

John Alexander National Vocal Competition

Mississippi College

With this event, we celebrate the music of Henry Mancini (1924-1994), a legendary American composer, conductor, and arranger known for his iconic film and television scores. With a career spanning over four decades, Mancini revolutionized the world of music with his innovative blend of jazz and classical styles. He is best known for composing timeless classics such as "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's and the theme music for The Pink Panther. One of the greatest composers in the history of American music, Mancini won multiple Academy Awards, Grammys, and Golden Globes. Join us for an evening with the Sam Bruton Jazz Ensemble as they paint Jackson pink with Mancini’s greatest hits, including “The Pink Panther,” “Moon River,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” “Baby Elephant Walk,” and many others.

An Evening with the Pink Panther: The Music of Henry Mancini

Duling Hall 

Opera Mississippi proudly presents American Canvas: An Evening of Art Songs featuring tenor John Christopher Adams accompanied by pianist Tyler Kemp. Join us for a casual and inspiring evening of evocative melodies and a heartfelt performance that celebrates the spirit and tradition of American song, and introduces the audience to our new Executive Director. 

American Canvas: An Evening of Art Songs

The Plant, Mississippi

The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the world’s most famous musical stage productions. It involves Tamino, a handsome young prince, who finds himself in a magical land between the sun and the moon. There he encounters a giant serpent, the evil Queen of the Night, and her daughter, Pamina, who is being held captive by the high priest, Sarastro. With the assistance of Papageno, a comical bird catcher, and other magical characters, Tamino is able to free and save Pamina. However, both she and Tamino must then face the terrifying ordeals and trials of water and fire together, while only being protected by his magic flute, which has the power to change men’s hearts. It is a virtuous story of triumph, courage, and wisdom overcoming evil.

The Magic Flute

Nelson Hall

During the 2024 session of the Mississippi State Legislature, they passed a groundbreaking initiative to honor the state's musical legends by designating each March as "Mississippi Musicians Month." Recognizing Mississippi as the "Birthplace of America's Music," this act pays tribute to iconic figures like Robert Johnson, Jimmie Rodgers, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Leontyne Price, Jimmy Buffett, and many more who have influenced global music culture. With more Grammy Award winners per capita than any other state, Mississippi's musical legacy shines bright. Join us each March to celebrate the unparalleled contributions of Mississippi's musical artists. Let the world hear the soulful rhythm of Mississippi’s music and musicians!

Southern Fried Soprano

St. Dominic Hospital

Vibrations: The John Alexander National Vocal Competition Winners Concert features eight winning singers of the John Alexander National Vocal Competition.  These winners are selected from hundreds of applicants from all over the United States. The competition, sponsored by the Robert M. Hearin Foundation, is named in memory of John Alexander, an American operatic tenor from Meridian, Mississippi. Alexander enjoyed a long and successful operatic performing career from the 1950s to the 1980s. He had a strong association with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and performed a total of 379 opera performances there between 1961 and 1987. Additionally, he performed with the New York City Opera and the Philadelphia Lyric Opera Company. Alexander, primarily known for his lyric roles in Italian and French opera, also excelled in lighter Wagner and Strauss roles. His diverse repertoire also included works by Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and Donizetti. He debuted with various prestigious opera houses in the US and Europe and was a popular concert singer. Tragically, Alexander passed away in Meridian, Mississippi after a performance at the Temple Theater in 1987.

Vibrations

Step into the enchanting world of swing music this holiday season with a spectacular Christmas concert featuring the timeless tunes of the Kings of Swing - Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, and Harry Connick, Jr.  Join us for a magical evening filled with festive cheer and unforgettable melodies that will transport you to a bygone era of glamour and sophistication. Get ready to swing into the holiday season in style with an evening of music, joy, and festive spirit that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this special event - book your tickets now and make this Christmas one to remember!

Jingle Bell Swings: Music of Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé,  and Harry Connick, Jr.

Duling Hall Live Music & Events

In the world of opera and musical theatre, strong, bold, and outrageous women captivate audiences with powerful performances and larger-than-life personalities. From dramatic divas like Elvira from I Puritani to fierce leading ladies such as Madam Rose in Gypsy, these characters leave lasting impressions with unforgettable arias and show-stopping numbers. Maryann Kyle, an outrageous woman herself, navigates love, loss, and madness with breathtaking vocal prowess, as she highlights vulnerability in the face of adversity. Whether in grand opera halls or on Broadway stages, this outrageous woman has always sought to inspire and entertain, ready to dazzle with her fierce and fabulous personas that are anything but ordinary.

Outrageous Women of the Stage

Come experience the divine harmonies of Opera Sacré, a transcendent concert blending sacred opera arias, timeless hymns, and a rich history of spirituals. Immerse yourself in an evening of musical enlightenment as the powerful voices of Krista McKenzie Overby and John Christopher Adams transport you to a higher realm of spiritual connection. From hauntingly beautiful arias to uplifting hymns, let the music stir your soul and elevate your spirit. Join us for a unique and unforgettable journey through the sacred musical traditions that have inspired and uplifted audiences for centuries. Don't miss Opera Sacré - where music and spirituality converge in perfect harmony.  You will hear selections from Gounod’s Messe Solenelle De Ste Cecile, Mendelssohn’s Elijah to hymns and spirituals like “Oh Happy Day,” “Ain’t-A-Good News,” and “The Prayer.”

 Opera in the Chapel Series

In New York City, the stretch between 42nd Street and 66th Street on Broadway, one of the most famous streets in the world, is an area of artistic convergence where classic tradition meets the cutting edge. Just on that one street, one can travel from the center of the Operatic world to the very heart of American Musical Theatre.

Broadway Meets the Met is a concert that weaves together the wonder of a musical and the beauty of opera. Come be a part of an evening where powerful vocal performances bring to life an array of beautiful operatic arias as well as exhilarating musical theatre selections. This event showcases a mesmerizing blend of talent and fervor, offering an unparalleled fusion of these renowned musical genres. 

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Broadway Meets The Met:  Season Finale Event and Benefit Concert

The Country Club of Jackson

As part of the Opera Mississippi mission to identify and develop operatic and singing artists, we are proud to collaborate and support the education and professional training of student and emerging artists from educational institutions around the state of Mississippi. For these young singing artists, we present master classes, provide professional training for work both on and off stage, offer paid performances around our communities, cast them in various capacities for our mainstage productions, and connect them with seasoned professional artists and other industry professionals that we bring to Mississippi through our productions.  

Wizards of Broadway: An Evening of Sondheim & Schwartz

Vibrations manifest themselves as unseen forces that drive all things to move at a variety of frequencies. Music is created by generating and controlling a carefully chosen collection of sonic vibrations that, when performed with a high level of artistic expertise, have the ability to transport us to new emotional heights, lift our spirits, touch us in unexplainable ways, make us better, and leave us wanting more!

Nothing is more exciting and rewarding than hearing a spectacularly well-trained human voice sing powerful and emotional music. If you love extraordinary singing, you will love Opera Mississippi’s VIBRATIONS. Eight spectacular vocal artists from around the nation will perform operatic arias and selections from Broadway musicals in a gloriously vibrant and exhilarating concert created especially for Mississippi audiences. These specific vocal artists were carefully chosen as finalists of the 2023 John Alexander National Vocal Competition and they will be accompanied by the Opera Mississippi Chamber Orchestra and the Tyler Kemp Jazz Trio.


Vibrations John Alexander National Vocal Competition Winners Concert

St Andrew's Episcopal School- North Campus

Songs for a New World is not just a musical—it’s a thrilling theatrical experience that dives deep into the heart of human emotion. Created by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown, this powerful stage production blends the passion of pop, the soul of gospel, and the finesse of contemporary musical theatre into a dynamic song cycle that explores life-altering moments of change.

Songs for a New World

Faith and Freedom: A Juneteenth Gospel Celebration is a powerful and uplifting concert presented in collaboration with Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. This special celebration honors the rich history and enduring spirit of Juneteenth through a moving program that celebrates faith, freedom, and the resilience of the African American community, featuring soulful performances by talented vocalists and musicians. Join us for an inspirational and uplifting evening filled with soul-stirring music.

Opera Mississippi

24 - 25 Apr, 2026

Songs for a New World

Jun 14, 2026

Faith and Freedom: A Juneteenth Gospel Celebration

Feb 1, 2026

John Alexander National Vocal Competition

Oct 27, 2025

An Evening with the Pink Panther: The Music of Henry Mancini

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