Andrew Wilkowske, Emily Pulley & Jennifer Dedominici Lead Central City Opera 2026 Festival
Season includes THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE, and MASTER CLASS alongside concerts and a new chamber series.
Central City Opera has announced that tickets are now on sale for its 2026 Festival, running June 27 through August 2 in the company’s historic opera house in Central City, Colorado. The 94th season aligns with three milestones: 250 years of American independence, Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood, and the 70th anniversary of the world premiere of THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE.
The festival will feature three mainstage productions, along with concert programming and a new chamber music series.
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
June 27 – August 2
Mozart’s opera follows a day of romantic intrigue in a noble household, as servants and aristocrats navigate disguises, misunderstandings, and shifting alliances. The cast includes Andrew Wilkowske in the title role, Maureen McKay as Susanna, Luke Sutliff as Count Almaviva, and Erica Petrocelli as the Countess. David Radamés Toro directs, with Marcello Cormio conducting.
THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE
Music by Douglas Moore | Libretto by John Latouche
July 4 – August 1
Returning to the company where it premiered 70 years ago, this opera tells the story of Horace Tabor and Baby Doe, whose relationship challenged Denver society during Colorado’s silver boom. The production is directed by Cynthia Lawrence, with Weston Hurt as Horace Tabor, Emily Pulley as Augusta Tabor, and Virginia Mims as Baby Doe. Aaron Breid conducts.
MASTER CLASS
By Terrence McNally
July 18 – July 31
Inspired by Maria Callas’ master classes at Juilliard, the play explores the demands of artistic excellence through a fictionalized teaching session. Jennifer DeDominici stars as Callas, with Arthur Bosarge as Manny Weinstock and Isaiah Feken as the Stagehand. Ken Cazan directs. An additional performance on July 31 will feature Marcia Ragonetti in the role of Callas.
CCO IN CONCERT
Conducted by Brandon Eldredge
July 10–11
The Central City Opera Orchestra will present an evening of arias, duets, and orchestral selections featuring festival artists.
ST. JAMES CHAMBER SERIES
July 14, 21, 28
A new addition for 2026, this chamber series will feature performances by orchestra musicians in a smaller, historic venue adjacent to the opera house.
Ticketing Information
Single tickets start at $34, with subscriptions beginning at $51. Performances take place at the Central City Opera House, located approximately 35 miles west of Denver. Tickets are available by calling 303-292-6700 or through the company’s official website.
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