Cincinnati Opera Association

The nation's second-oldest opera company, Cincinnati Opera celebrated its 103rd anniversary with its annual summer season of grand opera at historic Music Hall. Throughout June and July, the company presented four opera productions: a haunting presentation of Gaetano Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, Gioachino Rossini's hilarious The Barber of Seville, the world premiere of The Knock by Aleksandra Vrebalov and Deborah Brevoort, and a groundbreaking, nationally-renowned production of Giacomo Puccini's beloved Madame Butterfly, created by an all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team. The company also presented numerous free and low-cost programs for students, families, and community partners, including the Community Open Dress Rehearsal, in which community partners were invited to Music Hall to experience a full-fledged opera rehearsal along with fun music-related activities; Sensory-Friendly Rehearsal, which offered individuals with sensory sensitivities the opportunity to enjoy an opera-in-progress; and Screen & Sky, a free event at Blue Ash's Summit Park featuring a mini-performance by opera singers, a film screening of Cincinnati Opera's inspiring, family-friendly opera, Fierce, and a magical drone light show. Throughout the year, the company offers a wide variety of programs designed to engage and connect young people, families, adults, and the opera-curious of all ages and backgrounds.