Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Opera is a contemporary art form at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Watch OTSL’s rendition of “Regina,” in which acclaimed mezzo-soprano Susan Graham plays the title role of a conniving female anti-hero who alienates everyone in her life for sake of power. Or see classic “La traviata,” which tells the story of Parisian courtesan Violetta, who unexpectedly falls in love with a young Frenchman. Both classics are transformed into modern mainstage productions at Opera Theatre during this year’s season.

Founded in 1976, the organization showcases historic masterworks alongside innovations through the New Works, Bold Voices program, in which the organization commissions a composer to create an original opera. This season’s production schedule showcases one such work, called “An American Soldier,” the true story of Chinese-American U.S. Army soldier Danny Chen, who served in Afghanistan. The recipient of extreme hazing from his fellow soldiers, Chen committed suicide in 2011 at the age of 19. Composer Huang Ruo and librettist David Henry Hwang tell the stinging story with tenderness, ultimately raising deeper questions about what it means to be American.