RIGOLETTO, ORPHEUS & EURYDICE and More Set for Pittsburgh Opera 2026–27 Season
The season will also feature the world premiere of Working for the Macbeths, and more.
Pittsburgh Opera announces its 2026–27 season, the company’s 88th. The season once again demonstrates Pittsburgh Opera’s commitment to producing world class operas spanning classical and contemporary works, including the company’s sixth world premiere in the past ten years.
Pittsburgh Opera will be producing five operas, which will be performed across a total of four different venues—the Benedum Center, the Byham Theater, the Pittsburgh CAPA School Theater, and Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters the Bitz Opera Factory. The different venues give audiences a chance to experience opera on both a grand and intimate scale.
Season Overview
Rigoletto (1851)
Music by Giuseppe Verdi, Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
Based on the play Le Roi s’Amuse by Victor Hugo
At the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage
• Last performed by Pittsburgh Opera in 2012
• Scenery and Props for this production constructed by Atlanta Opera
Performances
• Saturday, October 10, 2026, 7:00PM
• Friday, October 16, 2026, 7:00PM
• Sunday, October 18, 2026, 2:00PM
Overview
A fool’s errand. Sharp-witted court jester Rigoletto is the philandering Duke’s right-hand man, always quick to defend his patron’s womanizing and mock his master’s victims. But the joke is on him. The tables turn when Rigoletto and the Duke are both cursed for their wretched behavior. While Rigoletto instinctively fears the curse, the callous Duke remains unfazed, turning his rakish intentions toward Rigoletto’s daughter, Gilda. Naïve, sheltered, and easily charmed, Gilda falls madly in love with the Duke.
Now, Rigoletto must plot and scheme to save his own daughter from the monster he had championed. Will Rigoletto have the last laugh, or will he be the punchline?
Cast and Artistic Team
Sebastian Catana stars as Rigoletto, with Daniel O'Hearn as the Duke of Mantua, Susanne Burgess as Gilda, Maire Therese Carmack as Maddalena, Peter Volpe as Sparafucile, Jason Budd as Monterone, Logan Wagner as Borsa, Erik Nordstrom as Marullo, Drew Comer as Ceprano, Ayanna Delk-Lewis as Countess Ceprano, Léa Nayak as the Page, and Giovanna and the Usher to be announced.
Antony Walker conducts, with revival stage direction by Elio Bucky and original production direction by Tomer Zvulun.
Orpheus & Eurydice (1762, revised 1859)
Music by Christoph Willibald Gluck, with instrumentation by Hector Berlioz
Libretto by Ranieri de' Calzabigi
At the Byham Theater, downtown Pittsburgh
Sung in French with English supertitles projected above the stage
• First performances by Pittsburgh Opera
• New production
Performances
• Saturday, November 14, 2026, 7:00PM
• Friday, November 20, 2026, 7:00PM
• Sunday, November 22, 2026, 2:00PM
Overview
To love is to look. After the death of his beloved Eurydice, Orfeo vows to plunge into the very depths of the Underworld itself to bring her back. Moved by Orfeo’s passion, Amore appears and agrees to aid him in the rescue of his wife so long as he does not look at her until they return to the land of the living again.
With the help of the spirits of the Underworld, Orfeo finds Eurydice in Elysium. But as he guides her to the surface, he knows he cannot look back. Eurydice believes this means he does not love her, and she refuses to take another step until he looks her way. So he does… but this classic tale may not end the way you’ve seen before.
Cast and Artistic Team
Stephanie Doche stars as Orpheus, with Lauren Snouffer as Eurydice and Léa Nayak as Amore. Antony Walker conducts, and José Maria Condemi directs.
Partenope (1730)
Music by George Frideric Handel, libretto by Silvio Stampiglia
At Pittsburgh CAPA School Theater, downtown Pittsburgh
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage
• First performances by Pittsburgh Opera
• New production
Performances
• Saturday, January 23, 2027, 7:00PM
• Tuesday, January 26, 2027, 7:00PM
• Friday, January 29, 2027, 7:00PM
• Sunday, January 31, 2027, 2:00PM
Overview
So many suitors! Three suitors—Arsace, Emilio, and Armindo—all vie for the affection of Partenope. But when Rosmira arrives disguised as a fourth suitor, the ante is upped. What follows is a topsy-turvy war of wits, a battle of passions, and perhaps a duel for good measure. This playful, fast-paced Baroque comedy of errors provides more laughs than you can Handel.
Cast and Artistic Team
Léa Nayak stars as Partenope, with Ayanna Delk-Lewis as Armindo, Logan Wagner as Emilio, Erik Nordstrom as Ormonte, and Rosmira/Eurimene and Arsace to be announced. Michael Beattie conducts, and Haley Stamats directs.
Working for the Macbeths – World Premiere
Music by Johanny Navarro, libretto by Marcus Yi
At the Bitz Opera Factory, Pittsburgh’s Strip District
Sung in English, with supertitles
Performances
• Saturday, February 27, 2027, 7:00PM
• Tuesday, March 2, 2027, 7:00PM
• Friday, March 5, 2027, 7:00PM
• Sunday, March 7, 2027, 2:00PM
Overview
Toil, trouble, and tomfoolery. Florinda, a lady-in-waiting to the Macbeths, is told she will be their downfall. Determined to change fate, she attempts to rewrite destiny itself.
Cast and Artistic Team
Florinda is to be announced, with Léa Nayak as Madam Alice Tairik, Ayanna Delk-Lewis as Lady Macbeth, Erik Nordstrom as Macbeth, Logan Wagner as Macduff, Drew Comer as Banquo, and additional roles to be announced. Crystal Manich directs.
Romeo & Juliet (1867)
Music by Charles Gounod, Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré
Based on the play by William Shakespeare
At the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
Sung in French with English supertitles projected above the stage
• Last performed by Pittsburgh Opera in 2006
• Scenery and Props constructed by Minnesota Opera
Performances
• Saturday, April 17, 2027, 7:00PM
• Thursday, April 22, 2027, 10:15AM (Student Matinee)
• Friday, April 23, 2027, 7:00PM
• Sunday, April 25, 2027, 2:00PM
Overview
Such sweet sorrow. The Montagues and Capulets feud as Romeo and Juliet fall hopelessly in love, setting them on a tragic path.
Cast and Artistic Team
Oreste Cosimo stars as Romeo, with Lydia Katarina as Juliet, Erik Nordstrom as Mercutio, Matt Boehler as Friar Lawrence, Meredith Arwady as Gertrude, Logan Wagner as Tybalt, Jason Budd as Count Capulet, Drew Comer as the Duke of Verona, and additional roles to be announced. Antony Walker conducts, with revival stage direction by Doug Scholz-Carlson.
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