Wonder where the story of “Rent” or “Love Story” came from? Puccini’s classic opera has inspired generations with its true-to-life story of Rodolfo and Mimi — star-crossed lovers. With the romantic score and soaring melodies of Puccini, La bohéme is the perfect opera for opera fans  and newcomers alike. Spoiler alert: bring tissues.

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La Bohème

DeVos Performance Hall

This season our annual fundraising gala will truly be a Night with the Opera! Enjoy dinner with fellow opera-goers at our Sunset Gala at DeVos Performance Hall, then take a short walk to find your seats for La bohème. Or stay for the Midnight Gala immediately after the curtain falls, with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and the cast of the show. Or join us for both! Reserve your spots today.

Night With The Opera: Sunset Gala

The 20th annual VanderLaan Prize is an opportunity for college-level voice students to compete for cash prizes and receive feedback from adjudicators who themselves are acclaimed opera artists. Opera Grand Rapids brings world-class professionals into its adjudication process in order to give contestants meaningful instruction and critique. 10 finalists will be chosen to perform in the final-round concert at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on March 23, 2024. The finalists will sing for three adjudicators and participate in educational and social activities with one another.

VanderLaan Prize

Betty Van Andel Opera Center

An event of song and story, curated by local musicologist Camellia Adams.

Opera is Lit

Based on Jean-Claude van Itallie’s play after the Buddhist teachings of the same name, The Tibetan Book of The Dead leads us through the stages we experience after death and our transition into the next life. Written for his life partner, this amazing and moving piece launched the extraordinary career of one of America’s premiere composers. A performance not to be missed.

The Tibetan Book of The Dead

The divine Mozart’s first operatic success, which was commissioned by the Austrian Emperor Joseph II (see the movie Amadeus for more). The beautiful noblewoman Costanza and her maid Blonda are shipwrecked and taken to the palace of Pascha Selim, ruler of the Ottoman Empire. Selim falls in love with Costanza, who refuses him to be faithful to her one true love, Belmonte. The Abduction is a family-friendly masterpiece for all to enjoy.

The Abduction from the Seraglio

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center

Kick off the 2023-24 Season with Opera Grand Rapids. Spend a beautiful mid-morning among friends enjoying Bizet’s Le Docteur Miracle while dining on brunch fare and imbibing in a mimosa bar. Proceeds will ensure Opera Grand Rapids starts the 2023/24 Season on strong financial footing.

Season Kick-Off: Dr. Miracle

Verdi’s towering masterpiece Aida is a tale of patriotism, love and betrayal, set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt. Aida, princess of Ethiopia, is the captive slave of the Egyptian princess Amneris. Both are in love with Radamès, who commands the Egyptian army against the invading Ethiopians. The love triangle turns to ruin when Aida’s father, Amonasro, appeals to his daughter’s love of country to betray Radamès.

Aida

Milcom Negley, a one-man militia, rages against the tyranny of federal overreach. A conspiracy theorist, Milcom believes an obscure, would-be Thirteenth amendment negates the authority of our government. The only major source of employment in town—a hammer manufacturer—has shuttered, and Milcom is armed with “the last American hammer” to roll off the plant’s line. He is hunkered down in a rural museum with curator Tink Enraught and FBI Agent Reyes.

The Last American Hammer

Irwin Seating Company

We are ready to sing, dance, and swashbuckle through Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious topsy turvy operetta The Pirates of Penzance. Candy colored seaside fun, pirates preoccupied with moral dilemmas, a loquacious major general, and of course a charming romance will keep you smiling and tapping your feet through this most delightful and tuneful comedy that promises to be fun for the whole family!

Opera Grand Rapids

19 - 20 Apr, 2024

La Bohème

Apr 19, 2024

Night With The Opera: Sunset Gala

Mar 23, 2024

VanderLaan Prize

Mar 14, 2024

Opera is Lit

9 - 10 Feb, 2024

The Tibetan Book of The Dead

Opera Grand Rapids

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