The Mahalia Jackson Theater will host amazing performances this 2023-2024 season. The New Orleans Opera Association's vision for an opera world that is open to and inclusive of all voices is complemented by this season's objective to improve everyone's life through the creation of opera of the greatest artistic caliber.
The general and artistic director, Clare Burovac, remarked, "The New Orleans Opera Association is thrilled to deliver another vibrant season of opera to our magnificent city—the North American cradle of the art form. "Loved classics, contemporary pieces, and a one-of-a-kind operatic vocal fireworks event featuring a New Orleans native will tell incredible stories. Any opera enthusiast will adore this season."
Lisette Oropesa, Laquita Mitchell, Katrina Galka, Cadie J. Bryan, mezzo-soprano Krysty Swann, tenors Yongzhao Yu and Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, baritones Alexander Birch Elliot, Kenneth Overton, Gordon Hawkins, and Theo Hoffman, and bass Anthony Reed are among the renowned opera singers performing this season. Chas Rader-Shieber, Timothy Douglas, and Brenna Corner are among the stage directors. Elizabeth Askren, Michael Ellis Ingrahm, Joseph Colaneri, and Joseph Mechavich are among the conductors.
The 2022 - 2023 New Orleans Opera Season
The Marriage of Figaro
September 29, 2023 (7:30 PM) and October 1, 2023 (2:30 PM)
Nuts and Bolts Lecture one hour before the performance
Student Night Out - September 27, 2022
Susanna and Figaro, the Count and Countess' servants, prepare their wedding during a single day on the estate of Count Almaviva outside of Seville, Spain. After finding out that the Count tried to seduce Susanna, Figaro decides to exact revenge. In order to trap the Count in his own schemes, Figaro devises a scheme of deceit and manipulation with Susanna, The Countess, and the count's page, Cherubino. When the Count attempts to avenge himself by hatching his own audacious plot to wed Figaro to a different, much older lady, his scheme hilariously implodes when the actual identity of the older woman is uncovered. Thankfully, the day closes with an agreement between the Count and Countess, making it possible for Figaro and Susanna to finally get along
.Composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte
Director, Chas Rader-Shieber
Conductor, Elizabeth Askren, The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair Figaro, Anthony Reed
Susanna, Cadie J. Bryan
Count, Theo Hoffman
Countess, Laquita Mitchell
Blue
November 10, 2023 (7:30 PM) and November 12, 2023 (2:30 PM)
Nuts and Bolts Lecture one hour before the performance
Student Night Out - November 8, 2022
The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series is presenting the New Orleans Opera Association premiere of Blue.A devoted African couple looks forward to the birth of their first child. Friends are delighted for the mother, a restaurant owner, and the father, a policeman, on the birth of their son. The son is now a young artist and activist after sixteen years. With regard to their opinions on policing and protest, the son and the father disagree and come to blows. The family is struggling to cope with the harsh realities of modern America. The mother and the father manage their dread and rage at losing their kid as their worst nightmare comes true. They seek help from their neighborhood and religion.The mother and the father manage their dread and rage at losing their kid as their worst nightmare comes true. They turn to their church and their neighborhood for support as they grieve and ask questions together.
Composer, Jeanine Tesori
Librettist, Tazewell Thompson
Director, Timothy Douglas
Conductor, Michael Ellis Ingram, The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair The Mother, Krysty Swann
The Father, Kenneth Overton
The Son, Jonathan Pierce Rhodes
The Reverend, Gordon Hawkins
Lisette Oropesa in Concert
December 1, 2023 (7:30 PM)
Lisette Oropesa in Concert is generously underwritten by John G. Turner & Jerry G. Fischer.
Lisette Oropesa, a native of New Orleans and recipient of the Chevalier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres, has put together an evening of French and Italian arias that are drawn from her most recent CD, French Bel Canto Arias. A number of composers from the Bel Canto era, including Donizetti, Rossini, and Bellini, have arias on the program.
"Performances of comparable clarity and brilliance provide a counterpoint to Oropesa's intelligent selection of repertory. She has a beautiful voice throughout, brilliant and passionate coloratura, frequently perfect line, and accurately conveys text, character, and emotions. -Gramophone
Conductor Joseph Colaneri, mezzo-soprano Ashley Dixon, tenor Carlos Enrique Santelli, and baritone Blake Denson will all be performing on the concert.
Lucia Di Lammermoor
March 22, 2023 (7:30 PM) and March 24, 2024 (2:30 PM)
Nuts and Bolts Lecture one hour before the performance
Student Night Out - March 20, 2022
Near the Ashton family's Scottish house, an intruder is discovered (Lammermoor Castle). Enrico, Lord of Lammermoor, is informed by a guard that Edgardo of Ravenswood, a longtime foe, is the invader. For Lucia, Enrico's sister, he has come. Edgardo and Lucia exchange rings and make a marriage commitment after meeting. Enrico, meantime, attempts to wed Lucia to Lord Arturo Bucklaw by forging a letter to indicate that Edgardo has found a new love interest. In order to exert pressure, he also enlists Raimondo, Lucia's tutor, and his chaplain. Even when Arturo comes and the marriage contract is completed, Lucia is in anguish. Then Edgardo shows up, furious at Lucia's alleged treachery.
Composer, Gaetano Donizetti
Librettist, Salvadore Cammarano
Director, Brenna Corner
Conductor, Joseph Mechavich, The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair Lucia, Katrina Galka
Edgardo, Yongzhao Yu
Enrico, Alexander Birch Elliot
Up to April 18, pre-sale subscription packages are accessible. On July 1, single tickets go on sale. Visit the website or call the New Orleans Opera Box Office at (504) 529-3000 from Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM to order tickets over the phone or online.
NOOA COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The New Orleans Opera Association remains dedicated to providing educational opportunities using both conventional and cutting-edge methods. During NOOA's Community Conversations, a discussion on the opera's theme and its effect on the community, and Opera Orientations, a community meet and greet with cast members hosted by the Women's Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association, audiences are invited to converse with artists and thought leaders prior to each production. Visit for more information, visit neworleansopera.com.
The Student Night Out program offers complimentary student tickets that are sponsored by the Louise Baehr Martin Memorial Fund. Attending fully produced dress rehearsals allows school groups and community organizations to introduce opera to youngsters. Information for registering may be found at neworleansopera.com/student-night-out.
