The 2022-23 season was a groundbreaking season to remember!

The 2022-23 season began in October with La Cenerentola (Cinderella) (October 28 and 30). Rossini’s charming take on the Cinderella story delighted audiences of all ages as we welcomed hundreds of families into the Southern Theatre! Opera Columbus’ Cinderella was set in the mid-century modern town of Newport, Rhode Island, directed by Richard Gammon and conducted by Kelly Kuo. The royal experience extended beyond the performance with a tea party, costume contest, tiara contest and a young minds program complete with games and fun facts about the show and cast!

Opera Columbus brought the heat to Columbus in February with Maria de Buenos Aires. This was the first Spanish opera produced in Columbus! Maria de Buenos Aires was directed by Dennis Whitehead Darling and conducted by Rolando Salazar, with costumes designed by Columbus fashion designer, Gerardo Encinas. This production was in collaboration with Encinas Designs, Fashion Week Columbus, Festival Latino, ProMusica and Strictly Tango.

Grand opera made its return to the Ohio Theatre with Rigoletto, a co-production with the Columbus Symphony. This grand-scale opera was directed by Eve Summer, conducted by Rossen Milanov, with costumes by Neil Fortin. This production featured 19 Opera Columbus debuts, 49 Columbus Symphony musicians, 288 brilliant costumes, and a three level set!

The season concluded with our annual Cooper-Bing vocal competition. With over 300 submissions from all around the world, this was our biggest year yet! Our five finalists traveled to Columbus to compete for the grand prize of $10,000.

The 2021-2022 season was an eventful season of celebration and versatile performances. This was Opera Columbus’ 40th season, and we spent 40 days celebrating across Columbus – both in- and out-of-the theatre.

The 2021-2022 season began in December with a nod to our inaugural season with Tosca (December 18 and 19), the first opera presented by our company in 1981. The three-act opera was sung in Italian with English surtitles, directed by Eve Summer and conducted by Tiffany Chang. Tosca featured new, original costumes by Neil Fortin, and used an original set construction by Opera Omaha and Boston Lyric Opera.

As part of our commitment to support emerging works and talent, Opera Columbus presented Fellow Travelers(February 25 and 27). The opera centers around the love affair of two men during the McCarthy era of the 1950s and the “lavender scare,” a witch hunt and mass firings of gay people from the United States government. Fellow Travelers was sung in English with English titles and conducted by Kelly Kuo.

In spring of 2022, we presented 40 Days of Opera with productions and performances that will appeal to a broad spectrum of performing arts enthusiasts. These events occurred throughout Columbus with many different community partners. PNC Arts Alive was a Presenting Partner of the 40 Days of Opera celebration. 40 Days of Opera kicked off with a celebration and included many events, such as: Cooper-Bing Competition, Vanqui, and La Traviata.

The Cooper-Bing competition is an internationally-recognized vocal competition that empowers and celebrates young, emerging artists. This competition discovers talent, reveals artistic opportunity, and engages the next generation into the professional opera community.

Opera Columbus presented Vanqui (May 22), a tale of death and resurrection through the eyes of the heroine, Vanqui, a 19th-century enslaved woman. The original music of Leslie Savoy Burrs and the libretto by John A. Williams frames a uniquely American experience in a compelling, multi-dimensional work of art. Opera Columbus commissioned and premiered Vanqui in 1999. This performance was directed by our Crane Directing Fellow, Luther Lewis III. The opera was presented as a community partner for The Ohio State University Journeys to Equity. 

The tragic love story of La Traviata will be performed in partnership with Out of the Box Opera at the Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Downtown. The immersive experience, directed by David Lefkowich, followed Violetta through three stages of her life.  

Other operatic experiences within 40 Days of Opera include: Dr. Kim and the Voice Box at COSI’s festival where Dr. Kim scoped our Resident Artist, Miguel Pedroza, and our audience was able to witness how the vocal cords move while singing. Miguel Pedroza and Chelsea Hart Melcher performed at this event; During 40 Days, we also presented The Puppy Episode Livestream with Oberlin Conservatory. The Puppy Episode was composed by Matthew Recio, with libretto by Royce Vavrek, and was directed by Christopher Mirto from Oberlin University; The Brown Bag Masterclass invited Columbusites to join us during their lunch break to watch Dr. Everett McCorvey and our Resident Artists, Adia Evans, Aryssa Burrs and pianist Nate Ben-Horin,sing through a masterclass; We celebrated with our second annual Drinks+Drag event starring talented drag artists, Gretta Goodbottom, Gilda Wabbit and Anisa Love; Through a new partnership, we performed COTA Bus Stop Performances with KatieAnn Bonavita and our Resident Artist pianist, Nate Ben-Horin; Katie Bonavita along with our Resident Artists, Miguel Pedroza and pianist Nate Ben-Horin performed at Columbus Common’s Food Truckevent. Finally, we rounded out our 40 Days of celebrating with GCAC’s Arts Fest and pop-up performances. 

The 2020-2021 season is breaking through the unexpected while persevering the classics during this unprecedented time. This season reveals the strength and resilience that opera artists have and how powerful the art of opera can be.

To kick off the season is the one and only Ryan Speedo Green, who will educate you about his life and how he went from being locked up in a Virginia juvenile institution at age 12 to being on stage at the Metropolitan Opera at age 24. His story of heartbreak and determination will leave you speechless as he performs his story through song,  readings, and in conversation. 

OC is going on the road and will perform Don Giovanni at the nationally recognized Columbus science museum, COSI. One of the most popular operas ever written, Don Giovanni centers around Don Juan and takes you on his journey to hell. Not only is there an amazing cast and creative team bringing Mozart’s masterpiece to life, there will also be members of the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus and the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra performing.

To wrap up this remarkable season, Puccini’s La bohème will be performed at a 100-year-old warehouse turned creative arts space, 400 West Rich. With the abundance of rusticity and creativity, you will feel like you are walking right into the set of the opera as soon as you step foot through the door. If you know and love Rent, you will absolutely love this rendition of La bohème. Prepare to be blown away by our brilliant artists and venue!

 

The 2019-2020 season includes engaging performances and events that promise to inspire conversation and ignite emotions. No rules, no judgment – opera is for everyone.  Bring a friend, grab a cocktail, and experience opera like you never have before. Make it yours.

Twisted 3, Columbus’ flagship performing arts organizations, BalletMet, CAPA, Columbus Symphony, and Opera Columbus, reunite for this multi-disciplinary celebration of the performing arts.  Twisted 3 delivers masterful choreography, lively classical works, and acclaimed operatics. Our part will include an abbreviated version of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, a comic, one-act opera sung in Italian. This collaboration only happens every couple of years – you don’t want to miss it.

As One, a compelling and thought-provoking story about Hannah, a transgender woman, as she endeavors to resolve the discord between herself and the outside world. As One is a celebration of the human character revealed through drama, music, and film.

The Barber of Seville, Figaro, Figaro, Figaro! These three words are recognizable to even those who have never heard of this classic production.  This brilliant comedy, in English, will be moved from 1880s Seville, Spain to the 1990s in Seville, Florida.  There will be a glitter beard contest, a live haircut, and drinks will be served by members of the cast.

 

Our mantra of “Make it Yours.” confronts any traditional expectations and preconceived ideas of opera. Dress up or dress down, visit the bourbon bar, and experience something new! This season offers everything from a classic to a world premiere to the off the wall!

Madama Butterfly, with its all-women creative team, will tell a classic story with a modern sensitivity.

The Flood, a new work co-produced and co-commissioned with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, boldly dives into the history of Columbus through the emotional storytelling of Stephen Wadsworth and the composition of Korine Fujiwara.

Our final collaboration of the season is with Byron Stripling and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Opera Swings Jazz. This exciting presentation will be a fusion of genres: It’s not opera, it’s not jazz…it’s both at the same time. The art will be high and the fun will be infectious!

 

Opera Columbus has announced its most collaborative season to date for the 2017-18 season, showcasing the artists of Juilliard, the Columbus Symphony, Against the Grain Theatre, and Company XIV in a not-to-be-missed trilogy of timeless operatic repertoire presented in what has become Opera Columbus’ signature forward-thinking style.

Opera Columbus continues its artistic collaboration with The Juilliard School’s Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts and its Artist Diploma in Opera Studies (ADOS) program for a second season, opening with the Opera Columbus debut of two highly gifted ADOS sopranos in a brand new production of Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw.

This will be followed by a concert version of Verdi’s Aida co-presented with the Columbus Symphony, featuring the Columbus Symphony Chorus, exceptional guest vocalists, the trumpet section of The Ohio State University Marching Band, and animals from the Columbus Zoo.

The 2017-18 season will conclude with Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice, showcasing artists from Toronto’s Against the Grain Theatre and NYC’s Company XIV alongside a trio of Opera Columbus guest vocalists in a modern-day and spectacular re-imagining of one of the most beautiful operatic scores the world has ever known.

Opera Columbus proudly announces an artistic collaboration with The Juilliard School’s Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts and its Artist Diploma in Opera Studies (ADOS) program. Selected ADOS artists will be contracted by Opera Columbus to perform in an upcoming, main stage production beginning with the 2016-17 season!

The 2016-17 season begins in September as Columbus’ flagship performing arts organizations reunite for Twisted 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2014’s smash hit, Twisted. For four performances only, BalletMet, the Columbus Symphony, and Opera Columbus will collide and combine to create an experience unlike any other.

Then in January 2017, Juilliard ADOS artist Miles Mykkanen will perform the role of Belmonte in Mission: Seraglio (Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio). Sung in German with English dialogue and English surtitles.

We conclude our mainstage season in May 2017 with a re-imagined production of Bizet’s most famous opera, Carmen. Featuring Juilliard ADOS artists Avery Amereau performing the role of Carmen and Thesele Kemane performing the role of Escamillo. Performed with the Columbus Symphony and BalletMet 2. Sung in French with English surtitles.

Beginning in October 2016, experience a modern version of The Magic Flute and the emotional abridged version of La Bohème during our Opera on the Edge production. Both sung in English and presented in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy food and drinks while the performers mix with the audience, pushing the boundaries of opera as we know it.

In the 2015-16, Opera Columbus will again present an all locally produced season!
We kick off the season in September with Jean-Baptiste Lully’s Armide, performed with BalletMet 2 and the Apollo’s Fire Orchestra. Opera Columbus has never before performed this work, and we are thrilled to bring you this heart-wrenching tale of love and war set during the First Crusade.
Then in March 2016, we explore love among the penniless inhabitants of the rooftops of bohemian Paris in Puccini’s most popular opera, La Bohème. It will be performed in Italian with the Columbus Symphony.

In June of 2016, Opera Columbus will present a collaboration with The Ohio State University School of Music and Department of Theatre with Verdi’s La Traviata. Again performed with the Columbus Symphony, you will delight in this twisted tale of a much-sought-after Parisian courtesan.

La Traviata will also be our Opera on the Edge production for the 2015-16 season, as we will present the work as an hour-long, abridged version sung in English at Shadowbox Live’s Backstage Bistro.

Opera Columbus announces the lineup for its 2014-15 season, premiering the first season in Opera Columbus history to present all locally produced productions. Opera Columbus opens the season with a never-been-done-before collaboration with BalletMet and the Columbus Symphony and Chorus to present the world premiere of Twisted, an all-original work featuring dancers, singers, and musicians from all three organizations on stage together for the first time. In March, Opera Columbus will perform Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro with the Columbus Symphony. The 2014-15 season also boasts the Columbus premiere of soprano superstar Camille Zamora in her role debut as Elle in La Voix Humaine, as well as performing the role of Nedda in Pagliacci.

In addition, Opera Columbus will continue Opera on the Edge, its successful, innovative collaboration with Shadowbox Live, transforming another classic opera into an immersive, interactive, and highly accessible experience in a casual environment. Featuring local artists in an abridged, English-language adaptation, this collaboration has expanded in the 2014-15 season to include two performances at The Refectory.

Experience Opera Columbus’ presentation of Pagliaccias an hour-long, abridged, English version performance in one of Columbus’ best casual and comfortable environments. “Crazed clown murders wife in front of live audience!” Find out what the headlines are all about, then immerse yourself in the fully staged, Italian language version the following summer.

Opera Columbus is back and we are truly in a renaissance! We hope you are as excited as we are to be a part of Opera Columbus during this time of growth and change for our company.

We see the return of locally-produced grand opera as we open the season in November with Madama Butterfly in partnership with The Ohio State University. This production will be cast with up-and-coming artists from central Ohio and beyond, and include students from OSU in the chorus and comprimario roles. In March, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players will return in the perennially popular The Pirates of Penzance featuring the Opera Columbus Chorus. Both productions will be accompanied by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. The season will conclude with Carmen in Concert at the Ohio Theatre, a fantastic new collaboration with the Columbus Symphony.

The 2012–13 two-show season will see the return of Opera Atelier and their revival of Mozart’s wildly popular and hilarious The Magic Flute, and the back-by-popular demand New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players in H.M.S. Pinafore. Both productions will again employ local artists–the Opera Columbus Chorus and the Columbus Symphony–and all performances will be held in the Southern Theatre.

In addition, Opera Columbus will collaborate with Shadowbox Live next season to launch a new program called Opera Cabaret. The program exposes new audiences to opera with live, abridged, English language performances of popular operas that are free of charge. The first Opera Cabaret presentation will be Puccini’s La Bohème.

Porgy and Bess – Gershwin
Don Giovanni – Mozart
Susannah – Floyd

HMS Pinafore, or The Lass That Loved a Sailor – Gilbert & Sullivan
Camelot – Lerner & Loewe
Carmen – Bizet
Il barbiere di Siviglia – Rossini
Iolanthe, or The Peer and the Peri – Gilbert & Sullivan
The Student Prince – Romberg

The Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave of Duty – Gilbert & Sullivan
Man of La Mancha – Leigh & Darion
Tosca – Puccini
The Magic Flute – Mozart
Brundibár – Krása

The Gondoliers, or The Duke of Barataria – Gilbert & Sullivan
The Merry Widow – Lehàr
Rigoletto – Verdi
La bohème – Puccini
The Daughter of the Regiment – Donizetti
Somebody’s Children – Kander

La traviata – Verdi
Die Fledermaus – J. Strauss
Le nozze di Figaro – Mozart

Macbeth – Verdi
Madama Butterfly – Puccini
Vanqui – Burrs

Faust – Gounod
The Flying Dutchman – Wagner
The Coronation of Poppea – Monteverdi

Tosca – Puccini
Anna Bolena – Donizetti
The Abduction from the Seragli – Mozart

Carmen – Bizet
Nabucco – Verdi
La Cenerentola – Rossini

Lucia di Lammermoor – Donizetti
Salome – R. Strauss
L’italiana in Algeri – Rossini

La bohème – Puccini
The Tales of Hoffmann – Offenbach
L’elisir d’amore – Donizetti

Il barbiere di Siviglia – Rossini
La traviata – Verdi
Ariadne auf Naxos – R. Strauss

Madama Butterfly – Puccini
Fidelio – Beethoven
Cosí fan tutte – Mozart

Turandot – Puccini
The Magic Flute – Mozart
The Merry Widow – Lehàr

Rigoletto – Verdi
Der Rosenkavalier – R. Strauss
Le nozze di Figaro – Mozart

Carmen – Bizet
Don Giovanni – Mozart
Boris Godunov – Mussorgsky
Il trovatore – Verdi

Don Carlo – Verdi
Tosca – Puccini
Salome – R.Strauss
Faust – Gounod

La traviata – Verdi
Tristan und Isolde – Wagner
Babes in Toyland – Herbert
La fanciulla del west – Puccini
Die Fledermaus – J. Strauss

Macbeth – Verdi

L’elisir d’amore – Donizetti
Babes in Toyland – Herbert
Madama Butterfly – Puccini
Porgy and Bess – Gershwin

Il barbiere di Siviglia – Rossini
Aida – Verdi
Three Sisters – Pastieri
Man of La Mancha – Leigh & Darion

Un ballo in maschera – Verdi
Roméo et Juliette – Gounod
La bohème – Puccini
Porgy and Bess – Gershwin

Cavalleria rusticana – Mascagni
Pagliacci – Leoncavallo
La Cenerentola – Rossini

La traviata – Verdi
The Tales of Hoffmann – Offenbach
Lucia di Lammermoor – Donizetti

Tosca – Puccini
Il trovatore – Verdi
Don Giovanni – Mozart