Houston Grand Opera News

Renowned baritone Michael Mayes is set to make a triumphant return to the prestigious Staatsoper Stuttgart for two roles in the upcoming 2023-2024 season.

Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of André Bishop) just announced the New York premiere of THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA, directed and co-choreographed by Graciela Daniele, with book, music, and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa. 

Starting next Friday, July 21, the 20th annual Bard SummerScape presents the first major new American production of Camille Saint-Saëns’s unjustly neglected grand opera Henri VIII (July 21, 23, 26, 28, and 30).

On Site Opera, the nation's leading opera company specializing in site-specific productions, has announced its search for a new Artistic Director as founder Eric Einhorn prepares to step down from the role at the end of the year.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) has appointed Benjamin Smolen to Principal Flute and Misha Vayman to the First Violin section, announced LACO Music Director Jaime Martín. Both musicians are based in Los Angeles and will begin their new posts with the Orchestra in the fall.

The world première of Marcelo Dos Santos' new play Backstairs Billy looks at a pivotal moment in the 50 year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William “Billy” Tallon.

Bay Area audiences are invited to revel in the high drama and opulent melodies of classic opera as artists from the 2023 Merola Opera Program perform extended scenes from works by Donizetti, Handel, Verdi, and others in the Schwabacher Summer Concert.

National Alliance for Musical Theatre has revealed the roster of new musicals for their 35th Annual FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS, which returns in person and takes place on Thursday, October 26 and Friday, October 27, 2023, at New World Stages.

Portland Opera has announced its 2023-2024 season, featuring a lineup of productions including beloved classics, an immersive Shakespearean inspired experience, and a heartwarming new family opera in a season that celebrates opera's timeless magic.  

Back to the Future: The Musical is now playing on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre. Meet the opening night cast of Back to the Future here!

The Grammy Award-winning Houston Chamber Choir has revealed its new 2023-2024 season “Prime Time,” including two world premieres.

Sadly, Marina Rebeka has withdrawn from performing the role of Leonora in tomorrow evening's performance of Il trovatore after testing positive for COVID-19. Rachel Willis-Sørensen will perform the role ahead of her scheduled run of performances in Il trovatore from 21 June – 2 July.

Theatre for a New Audience will present Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending, July 9–August 6 at Polonsky Shakespeare Center. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

The Harlem Chamber Players will mark its 15th Anniversary and Black Music Month with a musical extravaganza Harlem Songfest II, celebrating Black opera singers and the music of Black composers, including women.

Off-Brand Opera will return this June with Riders to the Sea: The Musical - an adaptation of the classic Vaughn Williams opera that furthers the Off-Brand Opera mission of blurring the lines between standard performance genres.

​​​​​​​Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House announces RODELINDA as the first in an ambitious multi-year series of operas by G.F. Handel with the daring, internationally acclaimed director (and Hudson resident) R.B. Schlather. Six performances take place October 20, 24, 26, 28 at 7pm and October 22 and 29 at 3pm.

The Harlem Chamber Players will mark its 15th Anniversary and Black Music Month with a musical extravaganza Harlem Songfest II, celebrating Black opera singers and the music of Black composers, including women, on Friday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at Miller Theatre at Columbia University.

The pirates come ashore in July as Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston, the longest-running opera company in Houston, presents the popular The Pirates of Penzance at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts' Zilkha Hall.

The Mesopotamian Opera Company presents its new production, The Italian Lesson, with words and music by melodic composer Peter Wing Healey. The opera is scored for piano, violin, cello and percussion, with conductors James Lent and Milos Veljkovic alternating at the piano.

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) has opened registration for the company's two summer camps for students in grades 3-12. Participating campers will receive the valuable opportunity to develop their vocal and dramatic talents in a fun and supportive creative environment. As part of HGO's commitment to working with students and families to make high-level music education affordable for all, financial assistance is available.