DISCOVERY, JOY, AND CONNECTION

by Kentucky Opera

Kentucky Opera’s exciting 2023-24 performance calendar will feature all four operas sung in English at The Brown Theatre and the Opera Center. From classic to contemporary performances, this season is the most accessible yet.

“This season has something for everyone,” says General Director/ CEO Barbara Lynne Jamison. “Kentucky Opera has a history of blending new works with the classical canon. Producing an allEnglish season allows us to invite even more audiences, in as we continue the work to break down the historical barriers of this artform. The stories we produce feature some of the finest emerging voices in the world. This will be a season that truly sparks discovery, joy, and connection among our community.”

Blending The Old With The New

Appearing on the Kentucky Opera stage for the first time since 2010 is Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. An opera filled with curiosity and adventure follows two young children in their quest to save themselves and the gingerbread children from the wicked witch. Kentucky Opera’s Youth Chorus will be featured in this vivid, larger than life production.

The opera will also continue its holiday tradition following last season’s The Gift of the Magi, with another performance in the Opera Center of All is Calm, The Christmas Truce of 1914 A lone soldier’s brave action of stepping out of the trenches singing Stille Nacht, provides relief and a spontaneous truce on Christmas Eve amid World War I. This haunting and memorable story uses the diaries and letters from soldiers on the Western Front woven together with traditional carols, historical songs, and new music to tell this story of bravery. and peace.

When your birthday only comes around every four years, it must be a celebration! 2024 is a leap year and the perfect time to set sail for Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. Audiences

Season Preview

2023 - 2024 will have five opportunities to see this swashbuckling adventure full of witty word play and memorable music.

The opera extends its season at the Opera Center with As One. Currently the most-produced contemporary opera in the world, empathy and humor are at the forefront of this story of self-discovery. A baritone and a mezzo-soprano portray the sole transgender protagonist, Hannah, as she forges a path for herself while facing societal expectations.

Engaging New Audiences

The Youth Opera Project returns with Dean Burry’s The Hobbit Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, this opera — performed by local artists from ages 8 to 18 — will be the focal point of Youth Opera Project’s 10-month training program where students will learn the foundations of singing, acting, and stagecraft. The Hobbit will have two performances in June.

Kentucky Opera has commissioned civil rights songs from composer Jorell Williams, with lyrics by Paula McCraney. These pieces along with other civil rights songs, will be premiered in concert with local community, college, and church choirs. Amplify Songs of Justice on June 10, 2023. Additional pre-performance activities by community partners will be announced closer to this free admission event.

Additional events and performances will be announced throughout the season as Kentucky Opera works with community partners to produce meaningful and collaborative work for the varied and diverse communities of the Commonwealth.

Season subscriptions are on sale now, with single show tickets going on sale in August. Subscribers can get a four-show subscription to save up to 20% off single ticket prices. Seating for performances at The Brown Theatre are reserved, while performances at the Opera Center are general admission.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit KYOpera.org

KENTUCKY OPERA 2023-24 SEASON AT A GLANCE

AMPLIFY SONGS OF JUSTICE

Saturday, June 10, 7PM (past)

Official Kick Off Event of Louisville’s Juneteenth Jubilee

Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health

HANSEL AND GRETEL

Friday, September 29, 8PM

Sunday, October 1, 2PM

Music by Engelbert Humperdinck

Libretto by Adelheid Wette

Sung in English, The W.L. Lyons Brown Theatre

ALL IS CALM, THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

Friday, December 15, 8PM

Sunday, December 17, 2PM

Written by Peter Rothstein

Vocal arrangements by Erick Licthe & Timothy C. Takach

Sung in English, Kentucky Opera Center

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE OR, THE SLAVE OF DUTY

Friday, February 16, 8PM

Sunday, February 18, 2PM

Music by Arthur Sullivan

Libretto by W.S. Gilbert

Sung in English, The W.L. Lyons Brown Theatre

AS ONE

Friday, April 12, 8PM

Sunday, April 14, 2PM

Music & Concept by Laura Kaminksy

Libretto by Mark Campbell & Kimberly Reed

Film by Kimberly Reed

Sung in English, Kentucky Opera Center

Youth Opera Project presents THE HOBBIT

Friday, June 7, 7PM

Saturday, June 8, 2PM

Music & Libretto by Dean Burry

Based on “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Sung in English, Kentucky Opera Center