Opera Carolina announces 2025-26 schedule of events

OPERA CAROLINA

Grammy winner Latonia Moore will lead the cast of "Suor Angelica and "Gianni Schicchi" as part of Opera Carolina's 2025-26 season.

Opera Carolina’s 76th season is an ambitious lineup of operas, concerts and community initiatives. 

The company’s leadership is shaping the season to merge tradition with innovation in opera. Tickets are available at operacarolina.org, on sale for Opera Carolina subscribers and available to the public on May 1.

“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,” general director Shanté Williams said in a statement. “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.”

Said Claudio Ferri, who will debut as artistic director: “Our 76th season reflects Opera Carolina’s bold vision for the future Our vision is to broaden Opera Carolina's status amongst the international opera network by presenting world-class productions, co-productions, artists and management.”

The season will kick off Nov. 1 for “A Night to Remember” at Belk Theater, with a tribute to Puccini’s heroines, in partnership with the Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago. The company will team up with Mint Museum Uptown Nov. 9 for its first-ever 9/11 commemorative concert with a performance of Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater.”

Opera Carolina will bring three masterpieces to the main stage:

• Music director and principal conductor Stefano Vignati will open the season with “Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi,” both by Giacomo Puccini, in January. Grammy-winning singer Latonia Moore leads the cast along with Italian voices Daniela Barcellona, Natale De Carolis, and Eric Ferring.

• Denyce Graves perform the title role and direct Gian Carlo Menotti’s drama “The Medium,” in April.

• “The Magic Flute,” a co-production with Italy-based Teatro Sociale di Como will revive its collaboration with the International Lyric Academy with an all-star cast at Central Piedmont Community College’s Halton Theater in June.

Also:

• Bella Notte, the company’s major fundraiser, moves to New Year’s Eve.

The Bel Canto Incanto Concert Series features a roster of performers from other opera houses including two of the best opera vocalists in Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee on May 2.

• “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a concert series celebrating the contributions of Black composers and artists at Carolina Theater.

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