Opera Memphis invites you on a musical journey through a series of captivating performances scheduled for 2025. From the passionate narrative of Bizet's Carmen to the eclectic Variations on a Theme series and concluding with the mythological La Calisto, the events promise an enthralling experience. With performances by talented artists such as Stephanie Doche and Dane Suarez, and the creative direction under Opera Memphis, these events are set to explore themes of love, longing, and cultural heritage, all wrapped in the richness of opera and musical theater.

Diverse Melodies: A Year with Opera Memphis

Opera Memphis is set to captivate audiences with a series of themed musical evenings and an operatic masterpiece. From 'Tunes of the Emerald Isle' to an engaging exploration of opera's history, and the mythical extravagance of 'La Calisto', these events promise a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic experiences. Taking place at various venues in Memphis, these performances will showcase the talents of Opera Memphis' Handorf Company Artists alongside special guests, offering unforgettable evenings of music and storytelling.

A Melodic Journey: Exploring Opera Memphis' Upcoming Season

Opera Memphis invites you to a spectacular journey through operatic and musical masterpieces. From the comedic brilliance of 'The Barber of Seville' and dramatic new works like 'Pretty Little Room' to the haunting notes of 'Verdi's Requiem' and the gripping tale of 'Sweeney Todd,' each event promises an unforgettable experience. Featuring renowned performers and creative minds, these productions not only celebrate the beauty of opera and musicals but also highlight the cultural richness of Memphis. Join us as we explore these captivating performances.

A Theatrical Journey Through Opera and Musicals with Opera Memphis

Opera Memphis is set to captivate audiences with a series of performances that delve into true crime, orchestral masterpieces, and thrilling musicals. From the haunting tale of 'Pretty Little Room' to the evocative notes of Verdi's 'Requiem' and the suspenseful 'Sweeney Todd,' each event promises a unique blend of artistry and emotion. Join us as we explore these unforgettable experiences, highlighting the creative contributions of artists and the cultural significance of these performances.

Opera Memphis: A Journey Through Dramatic Narratives and Stirring Performances

Dive into a world where art and history intertwine, as Opera Memphis presents three distinct and compelling performances. From the captivating true crime opera 'Pretty Little Room' to the grandeur of Verdi's 'Requiem,' and the thrilling musical 'Sweeney Todd,' each event offers an unforgettable experience. With a mix of world premieres and timeless masterpieces, these events showcase the rich tapestry of talent and creativity thriving in Memphis, promising audiences an inspiring journey through the realms of opera, orchestral, and musical theater.

Memphis Takes Center Stage: Unveiling Opera, Orchestral, and Musical Masterpieces

The world premiere of this new opera by Memphis composer Robert Patterson and librettist Jerre Dye tells the true crime story of Alice Mitchell, who wanted nothing more than to marry her lover, Freda Ward. In 1892, fearful that Freda was abandoning her, Alice slit Freda’s throat on the Memphis riverboat docks. Set in the insane asylum in Bolivar, TN, where Alice was sentenced, the opera shows her piecing her memories back together, with the other characters in her memories played by the women locked away with her.

EPSG:4326

Pretty Little Room

Crosstown Concourse

Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!  This musically rapturous and comically abundant masterpiece remains one of the most justifiably beloved operas of all time. It stars a penniless student (who is actually a wealthy Count), and the good girl who is willing to do whatever it takes to be with him. Standing in their way is a greedy guardian, a possibly sociopathic music teacher, and a romantically frustrated maidservant. Who can unravel the twisted webs they weave and ensure a happy ending? None other than everyone’s favorite barber, Figaro himself.

The Barber of Seville

University of Memphis

Hijinks abound when an interplanetary cruise ship featuring cloned versions of historic Divas is boarded by a rag-tag band of musically ambitious space pirates.

LaZer Divas Vs. The Sky Pirates of Destiny

Museum of Science and History

This celebration of American legends features the Memphis premieres of two newly commissioned operas with words by Jerre Dye and music by Rene Orth and Kamala Sankaram: Love, Loss, & The Century Upon Us, celebrating Thomas Edison, and A.E. Reverie, celebrating Amelia Earhart. Additional music will showcase American legends from Susan B. Anthony to Walt Whitman and beyond. Featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

I Hear America Singing

Opera Memphis will open with a selection of music that was enjoyed by (or written by!) the signers of The Declaration of Independence. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.

Our Declaration Lecture at Rhodes College

McNeill Concert Hall

A jewel from the golden age of Venetian opera, this exuberant masterpiece mashes up multiple Roman myths, bending both gender and genre as it romps through eternal battles of love versus lust and responsibility versus desire.

La Calisto

Playhouse on the Square

Our new series of intimate, curated evenings of music from across opera, musical theater, and vocal music in all its forms. Each unique evening will feature music organized around a particular theme–a holiday, a location, an emotion–and feature our Handorf Company Artists, plus special guests!

Variations on a Theme 4: The Complete History of Opera: Part 1

Opera Memphis

Variations on a Theme 3: Tunes of the Emerald Isle

Variations on a Theme 2: Love, Longing, and Lederhosen

Our new series of intimate, curated evenings of music from across opera, musical theater, and vocal music in all its forms. Each unique evening will feature music organized around a particular theme–a holiday, a location, an emotion–and feature our Handorf Company Artists, plus special guests! Sponsored by Duncan Williams Asset Management.

Variations on a Theme

In Bizet’s sizzling epic of dark passion, Don José, a soldier with a checkered past, is seduced by Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman with an appetite for smuggling. Abandoning both his childhood sweetheart and his military career, José pursues Carmen’s attention with a desperation that grows into obsession.

Carmen

The Devil finds work for the idlest of hands in Igor Stravinsky's neoclassical opera "The Rake's Progress." This 1951 masterpiece uses the glorious words of British-American poet W. H. Auden to tell the story of Tom Rakewell, a young man who inherits a fortune and abandons his hometown sweetheart, Anne Trulove, for the big-city pleasures of life in London. Obsessed with the idea that he is destined for greatness and cheered on by his diabolical companion, Nick Shadow, Tom trades his soul in exchange for fame and influence. An eternity of torment waits for him…unless true love can somehow find a way?

The Rake's Progress

An exploration of the iconic composer through the lens of music from the award-winning movie Amadeus. Opera Memphis artists join the musicians of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for selections from Mozart’s symphonies, operas, and his towering Requiem.

Amadeus: The Music and the Myth

Cannon Center For The Performing Arts

Opera Memphis has delivered a solid month of free public events throughout the city for over a decade with our "30 Days of Opera" program. We've sung for hundreds of thousands of Memphians in hundreds of locations. When the pandemic began in 2020, and we had to cancel the Midtown Opera Festival, we produced a special, all-digital version of "30 Days" in April.  At the time, we hoped to be able to do a live version in September, but that proved impossible.

30 Days of Opera 2024

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Opera Memphis presents Giacomo Puccini's timeless classic, "La bohème." This brand-new production captures the essence of youth, love, and freedom, set against the backdrop of an era when musical legends WC Handy and William Grant Still graced Beale Street. Experience the passion and vibrancy of this beloved opera, which has inspired countless artists and productions, including "Rent" and "Moulin Rouge."

**Event Details:**

- **Dates:** Friday, May 17, 2024, and Saturday, May 18, 2024
- **Time:** 7:30 pm on both nights
- **Venue:** Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, 3800 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38117
- **Language:** Italian with English Surtitles

**Featuring:**
- **Conductor:** Jeri Lynne Johnson
- **Director:** Dennis Whitehead Darling
- **Dramaturg:** Ned Canty
- **Cast:** Chauncey Packer as Rodolfo, Marquita Richardson as Mimi, Reginald Smith, Jr. as Marcello, Kayla Oderah as Musetta, and more talented artists.

This production not only showcases the most popular work in Opera Memphis's history but also brings together a cast and artistic team of remarkable talent and diversity. Jeri Lynne Johnson, the first Black woman to win the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, leads the production with her masterful conducting. The cast includes award-winning artists such as Chauncey Packer, known for his performances at the Metropolitan Opera, and Marquita Richardson, a rising soprano with a passion for storytelling through music.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this new chapter in Opera Memphis's history. Buy your tickets now and plan your evening at the opera with pre-show talks that will enhance your experience. This is more than just a performance; it's an inspiration, a celebration of art, and a testament to the enduring power of Puccini's work.

For tickets and more information, visit our website. Let "La bohème" inspire you as it has inspired generations of artists and audiences around the world.

La bohème

Variations On A Theme: La Divina: A Tribute To Maria Callas 

Opera Memphis is thrilled to present "Variations on a Theme," a new series of intimate, curated evenings of music, sponsored by Duncan Williams Asset Management. This collection features a diverse range of music from iconic composers such as Gershwin, Schubert, and Britten, among others. The next concert in the series, "La Divina: A Tribute to Maria Callas," is set to take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 7:30 PM and Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the Opera Memphis Headquarters, located at 216 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104.

This special tribute to Maria Callas, known as La Divina, will showcase some of Opera Memphis' favorite singers, including Maria Fasciano, Kayla Oderah, Marquita Richardson, Gavin Wiggingson, and Jonathan King as the music director. These talented artists will explore the shows and roles associated with Maria Callas, celebrating the legacy of the singer many consider the greatest of all time.

Attendees are invited to join a 30-minute pre-show talk, given by Jonathan King and Maria Fasciano, which begins an hour before each performance (6:30 PM on Saturday and 2:00 PM on Sunday). Doors will open at 6:15 PM and 1:45 PM respectively. This event promises to be a memorable evening of music inspired by an upcoming event in the Memphis cultural calendar, in collaboration with partners like Ballet Memphis, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and Theatre Memphis.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of opera and musical theater. Buy your single tickets now and join us for a tribute to the legendary Maria Callas at Opera Memphis.

Opera Memphis proudly presents "La Calisto," a baroque masterpiece by Francesco Cavalli that explores themes of love, lust, vengeance, and astronomy. This captivating production is a highlight of our 2023-24 Season, showcasing the golden age of Venetian opera with a story that intertwines multiple Roman myths, challenging notions of gender and genre. 

**Event Details:**

- **Dates and Times:** 
  - Friday, March 22, 2024, at 7:30 pm
  - Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 7:30 pm

- **Venue:** Playhouse on the Square, 66 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104

- **Language:** Performed in Italian with English Surtitles, making it accessible to all audiences.

**Special Features:**

- **Pre-Show Talks:** Enhance your evening by joining us for insightful pre-show discussions. Plan your visit to ensure you don't miss these engaging talks.

- **Digital Program:** Access the LA CALISTO DIGITAL PROGRAM LINK for an in-depth look at the opera, including cast details, synopsis, and more.

**Cast Highlights:**

- Conductor: Žak Ozmo
- Stage Director: Ned Canty
- Featuring: Angela Yam as Calisto, Stephanie Doche as Diana, Marcus King as Mercury, and many more talented artists.

**Audience Advisory:**
This production is intended for mature audiences. Please be advised that it includes heavy haze and some strobe light effects.

**Tickets:**
Don't miss your chance to experience this exuberant masterpiece. BUY SINGLE TICKETS now and secure your spot for an unforgettable night at the opera.

Join us for "La Calisto" and immerse yourself in the eternal battles of love versus lust and responsibility versus desire, all set against the backdrop of stunning music and dramatic storytelling.

*The Orchestra Unplugged Series is a collaboration between the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Orpheum Theatre Group.

Orchestra Unplugged: Mozart the Magic Flute

Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education

The Orpheum Theatre Group, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Memphis present Orchestra Unplugged: The Crazy Journey of Mozart's Magic Flute.

Orchestra Unplugged: The Crazy Journey Of Mozart's Magic Flute

Variations On A Theme: In The Words Of Langston Hughes

Opera Memphis, in collaboration with Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group and Dixon Gallery & Gardens, presents a Christmas Fiesta!

Christmas Fiesta

Dixon Gallery & Gardens

Sponsored by Duncan Williams Asset Management

Variations On A Theme: Gershwin And Friends

Opera Memphis is thrilled to present a majestic and sensual celebration of fortune with Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana." This captivating performance is set to take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 7:30 pm, at the prestigious Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, located at 255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103. The performance will be conducted in Latin with English Surtitles, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Under the baton of Robert Moody, the event will feature a talented cast including soprano Sarah Vautour, countertenor Logan Tanner, and baritone Sidney Outlaw. They will be joined by the Memphis Symphony Chorus, with Lawrence Edwards as conductor, and the University of Mississippi University Choir, directed by Dr. Donald Trott. This collaboration highlights the partnership with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, promising an evening of unparalleled musical excellence.

The program also includes Saint-Saëns' "Danse Macabre," setting the stage for Orff's "Carmina Burana." This piece is a setting of poems by 12th-century monks, exploring themes such as the fickleness of fortune, the joy of the return of spring, and the perils and pleasures of drinking, gluttony, gambling, and lust.

Tickets for this unforgettable experience are available for purchase at memphissymphony.org or by calling the Memphis Symphony Orchestra at 901-537-2500. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a powerful performance that celebrates the human spirit through the lens of medieval monks, brought to life by the combined forces of Opera Memphis and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Carmina Burana

A Midsummer Night's Dream has inspired composers and musicians since it premiered in 1595. Artists as distinct as Purcell, Mendelssohn, Ella Fitzgerald, and Baz Luhrmann have all turned their genius toward the story in their own unique ways. Join us for an evening of rousing, radiant (and occasionally ribald) selections from over four hundred years of musical brilliance, all inspired by this timeless tale!

Variations On A Theme: A Midsummer Night's Dream

We invite you to join us for a first look at our new headquarters at 216 S Cooper St. in Midtown this Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be activities for the kids, Wheel of Opera, pop-up performances by our artists, and information about our season! And purchase your subscriptions or single tickets in person!

30 Days Of Opera - Open House

30 Days Of Opera - Trolley Night Downtown

Hear a sample of all of the choral ensembles the U of M has to offer!

30 Days Of Opera- University Of Memphis Choral Sampler

Enjoy opera classics in the lobby of the beautiful Memphian Hotel.

30 Days Of Opera At The Memphian Hotel

Memphian Hotel

Join us at the festival that has been a staple since the first 30 Days of Opera. All day fun: stop by, say hi, and spin the Wheel of Opera!

30 Days Of Opera - Cooper Young Fest

Be sure to check our social media pages to find out where we will be!

30 Days Of Opera- Pop Up!

A free performance in the center of the city.

30 Days Of Opera- Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library

Memphis Public Library

Enjoy free opera while waiting to enter the beautiful homes on Vinton Ave.

30 Days Of Opera- Central Gardens Home Tour

National Anthem for a Weenie Dog Race? YES. Afterwards, singers will wander around the festival singing opera's greatest hits. Join Opera Memphis at the 50th Annual Germantown Festival!

30 Days Of Opera At Germantown Festival

Germantown Civic Club Complex

Pop up! Singing on the street where we (will very soon) live!

30 Days Of Opera- Peabody And Cooper

Pop up! Good books, good food, good music.

30 Days Of Opera - Lunch At Libro

Pop up! Enjoy free opera as you prepare your minds for a trivia battle!

30 Days Of Opera - Trivia Night At Celtic Crossing

Pop up! Fair season is back in Memphis and we are here for it-- literally! Catch our singers out side the entrance to welcome you in!

30 Days Of Opera At The Delta Fair

Agricenter International

Help us join in celebrating the re-opening of the Memphis treasure that is Tom Lee Park! Come see the beautiful restoration and enjoy some free opera!

30 Days Of Opera At Tom Lee Park

Tom Lee Park

Pop up! More 901 Day celebrating happing over on Broad Avenue on Friday night! Stop by any participating shop for treats, specials, discounts, etc. !

Broad Avenue First Friday

Join us at Overton Square Market to celebrate 901 Day with Wheel of Opera!

901 Market At Overton Square

Overton Square

30 Days is 'taking off' at the Memphis airport on the Rotunda Memphis Music Stage. We hope to see you Labor Day travelers there!

30 Days Of Opera

Memphis International Airport

A soldier, posted in conflict overseas, is wrestling with the sacrifices she has made, having just missed her daughter’s 13th birthday. In a quasi-dream state, she encounters other soldiers, all working through their own pain, challenges, and triumphs. With each encounter, she is reminded of the strength and resilience inherent in every soldier, the qualities she will need to rise up again and return to her family.

The Falling And The Rising

With a focus this year on a celebration of theatre from around the world and around the corner, the festival will feature family and youth-focused performances that include a wide array of performing artists and groups for the 17th annual celebration. The founding mission of the festival, created by Voices of the South, was to create a safe, educational, affordable, and exciting atmosphere in which children and families can attend innovative theatre and participate in arts-oriented activities that foster imagination. The children’s festival acquaints the community with the work of Memphis artists, promotes arts awareness, and helps build a stronger, more invigorated community.

30 Days Of Opera At Memphis Childrens' Theatre Festival

Theatre Memphis

Performances will also be offered by arts organizations such as CazaTeatro, New Ballet Memphis, and others. A Latino art exhibit will be inside the Galleries. Food Trucks, a DJ, and creative activities will be available free of charge. Activities will be bilingual (Spanish/English), with friends and volunteers to make this a true cross-cultural experience!

30 Days Of Opera At Arkwings Festival

Join Opera Memphis and The Ginger's Bread Co. for a live performance of Bon Appetit, a delicious one-act opera by composer Lee Hoiby. Bon Appetit is a comedic take on a classic episode of Julia Child’s popular television show, and stars Handorf Company Artist mezzo-soprano Erika Vasallo.

Bon Appetit Performance At The Ginger's Bread

The Ginger’s Bread & Co.

The Overton Bark Park is located in Overton Park at 2080 Poplar Avenue. We hope to see you there!

Opera Goes To The Dogs

Overton Bark

On Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, Rhodes Music Department presents Invitation to Tomorrow: Scenes from Broadway and Opera, featuring the talents of Rhodes College vocal students!

Rhodes College Department Of Music Presents: Scenes From Broadway And Opera

Rhodes College

Join Wiseacre Brewing Company on Saturday, April 15, 2023 for their biggest party of the year! Wiseacre is welcoming old friends and new as they bring their best and weirdest beers to Memphis. Featuring breweries from all over the country, TASTE the RARITY is a specially curated festival dedicated to the things we love most, beer, fun & weirdness. Your ticket gets you a wristband, taster glass, and 4 hours of unlimited drinking, from 3pm - 7pm. Featuring live music, food trucks, and other nonsense for you to enjoy.

30 Days Of Opera At Taste The Rarity Festival

WISEACRE Brewing Company OG

ArtWorks Foundation presents its 5th edition of Art in the Loop, the art festival in East Memphis, featuring works of Fine-Craft in metal, glass, wood, clay, & fiber, as well as 2-D disciplines.  In addition to a juried artist market, you’ll also enjoy the fare of the town’s top food trucks and performance of classical music.

30 Days Of Opera At Art In The Loop Festival

This performance will feature songs from Rogers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, Rossini, and more! Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site.

30 Days Of Opera: An Homage To Cinderella

Friend of Opera Memphis and soprano Desiree Howe will be presenting her University of Memphis doctoral recital on Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 PM at Harris Concert Hall (located in the Rudi E Scheidt School of Music).

30 Days Of Opera- Desiree Howe Doctoral Recital

Join Opera Memphis for a free, family-friendly opera performance at the Downtown Farmer's Market!

30 Days Of Opera At The Farmer's Market

Memphis Farmers Market

Rhodes College MasterSingers presents Verdi’s Requiem and Ave Maria from Quatro Pezzi Sacri (Four Sacred Pieces), featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

30 Days Of Opera At Rhodes College- Verdi's Requiem And Quatro Pezzi Sacri

The UofM College of Communication and Fine Arts is excited to host the Central to the Arts Festival on their campus, April 1st from 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m, bringing performances and art onto the closed Central Avenue and opening our doors wide for community performances and exhibits. The festival will feature exhibits in the Art Museum, Fogelman Contemporary Art Galleries, and the Box Gallery. It will also present various dance performances, music performances (commercial, jazz, and opera), a children’s play, a fashion show, and film showings throughout the day. Their interactive outdoor booths will feature various degree programs with hands-on activities for festival goers.

30 Days Of Opera At Central To The Arts Festival

Verdi's ultimate masterpiece, sung by a quartet that will leave you breathless: Jamie Barton, Limmie Pulliam, Kenneth Kellogg, and Lauren Margison.

Verdi's Requiem

Opera Memphis joins forces with Playhouse on the Square for Stephen Sondheim’s spine-chilling tale of vengeance and dubious pies.

Opera Memphis

Mar 28, 2026

Verdi's Requiem

Jun 12 - Jul 12, 2026

Sweeney Todd

6 - 7 Mar, 2026

Pretty Little Room

23 - 24 Jan, 2026

The Barber of Seville

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