North Carolina Opera

A new play with music starring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves! North Carolina-born trailblazer Mary Cardwell Dawson founded the National Negro Opera Company in the mid-20th century, creating unprecedented opportunities for Black artists and audiences across America. One evening in 1943, the company is scheduled to perform Carmen on a floating barge on the Potomac River. When inclement weather threatens to force the performance into a segregated hall, Mary must navigate the raging storms to ensure the show goes on.

A new play with music starring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves! North Carolina-born trailblazer Mary Cardwell Dawson founded the National Negro Opera Company in the mid-20th century, creating unprecedented opportunities for Black artists and audiences across America. One evening in 1943, the company is scheduled to perform Carmen on a floating barge on the Potomac River. When inclement weather threatens to force the performance into a segregated hall, Mary must navigate the raging storms to ensure the show goes on.

A new play with music starring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves! North Carolina-born trailblazer Mary Cardwell Dawson founded the National Negro Opera Company in the mid-20th century, creating unprecedented opportunities for Black artists and audiences across America. One evening in 1943, the company is scheduled to perform Carmen on a floating barge on the Potomac River. When inclement weather threatens to force the performance into a segregated hall, Mary must navigate the raging storms to ensure the show goes on.

*Company Premiere North Carolina Opera’s first ever Spanish language opera! Embark on a magical and mysterious journey along the mighty Amazon. Glamorous opera legend Florencia Grimaldi is traveling incognito by steamboat through the enchanted rainforest in hopes of finding her long lost love. Wracked by storms and a cholera outbreak, she and her fellow passengers are drawn deeper into the Amazon, where fantasy and reality intertwine, and their hopes and dreams are tested. Featuring Vanessa Vasquez, Richard Ollarsaba, Marlen Nahhas, Jason Karn, Levi Hernandez, and Claudia Chapa Conducted by Joseph Mechavich; Directed by John Hoomes

*Company Premiere North Carolina Opera’s first ever Spanish language opera! Embark on a magical and mysterious journey along the mighty Amazon. Glamorous opera legend Florencia Grimaldi is traveling incognito by steamboat through the enchanted rainforest in hopes of finding her long lost love. Wracked by storms and a cholera outbreak, she and her fellow passengers are drawn deeper into the Amazon, where fantasy and reality intertwine, and their hopes and dreams are tested. Featuring Vanessa Vasquez, Richard Ollarsaba, Marlen Nahhas, Jason Karn, Levi Hernandez, and Claudia Chapa Conducted by Joseph Mechavich; Directed by John Hoomes

Comedic capers and uproarious antics take center stage as Mozart’s classic opera battle of the sexes and the classes returns to NCO. Follow Figaro, the cunning confidant, and Susanna, the sly servant, as they navigate a maze of matrimonial mayhem and mischief. With hilarious hijinks and a sensational score, the “greatest opera ever written” will have you rolling in the aisles! Featuring William Clay Thompson, Kathryn Henry, Cadie J. Bryan, Theo Hoffman, and Lisa Marie Rogali Conducted by Aaron Breid; Directed by Chas Rader-Shieber

Comedic capers and uproarious antics take center stage as Mozart’s classic opera battle of the sexes and the classes returns to NCO. Follow Figaro, the cunning confidant, and Susanna, the sly servant, as they navigate a maze of matrimonial mayhem and mischief. With hilarious hijinks and a sensational score, the “greatest opera ever written” will have you rolling in the aisles! Featuring William Clay Thompson, Kathryn Henry, Cadie J. Bryan, Theo Hoffman, and Lisa Marie Rogali Conducted by Aaron Breid; Directed by Chas Rader-Shieber