OPERA CAROLINA announces 2025-2026 Season

Opera Carolina – the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas – has announced programming for its upcoming 76th season with an ambitious lineup of grand operas, special concerts, philanthropic events and community initiatives.

Expanding on its “Opera for All” theme, general director Dr. Shanté Williams and new artistic director/deputy general director Claudio Ferri are shaping the new season to merge tradition with innovation and celebrate diverse voices and stories in the opera world.

“We’re excited to offer an amazing lineup of programming and events that spotlight not only what we’re bringing to the stage but also how Opera Carolina is connecting in the community,” Dr. Shanté Williams said. “Audiences can expect powerhouse performances, compelling stories and a lot of fun from notable voices from opera houses around the world alongside our group of impressive local talent and upcoming artists.”

OPERA CAROLINA 2025-2026 SEASON

The 2025-26 season kicks off on Sept. 11 with a collaboration with Mint Museum Uptown to host the company’s first-ever 9/11 Commemorative Concert. The event will honor the victims with a featured performance of Pergolesi’s popular “Stabat Mater.”

Following last year’s success of its inaugural A Night to Remember, Opera Carolina will return to the Belk Theater on Nov. 1 for the event, which pays tribute to Puccini’s heroines, in partnership with the Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago.

Featured talent

Opera Carolina will bring three, timeless masterpieces to the main stage next season.

“Suor Angelica”, “Gianni Schicchi

“Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi,” both by Giacomo Puccini, will be the emotional double bill arriving in January 2026.

Broadway and television director David Warren makes his opera directorial debut with “Gianni Schicchi” while Italian director Davide Garattini Raimondi will helm “Suor Angelica.” Grammy Award-winning singer Latonia Moore leads the cast along with Eric Ferring and well-known Italian voices Daniela Barcellona and Natale De Carolis.

The Medium

Denyce Graves returns to Charlotte to perform the title role and serve as director of Gian Carlo Menotti’s gripping drama “The Medium,” scheduled for April 2026.

The Magic Flute

Closing out the season is the anticipated production of “The Magic Flute” directed by Ivan Stefanutti. This co-production with Italy-based Teatro Sociale di Como will revive its collaboration with the International Lyric Academy and feature an all-star cast alongside emerging international talents when it hits the stage at Central Piedmont Community College’s Halton Theater in June 2026.

Other philanthropic highlights include the Classic Golf Tournament, and a trunk show sponsored by world-renowned fashion house Dolce & Gabbana.

Tickets for Opera Carolina 2025-2026 Season

For full details on the 2025-26 season, visit operacarolina.org. Tickets for performances are currently on sale for Opera Carolina subscribers. Tickets will be available to the general public on May 1.