The Theater District comes alive with the sound of music, as Houston Grand Opera announces its 2020-2021 season. This 66th season brings a dramatic variety of programming, including audience favorites, acclaimed new works, a world premiere for the 2020 holidays, and yes, a visit from everyone’s favorite novice nun nanny in The Sound of Music.
Let's take a closer look at all the music, drama, and comedy from HGO that will feed our yearly opera habit.
Bizet’s Carmen (October 23-November 13, 2020)
The season opens with new faces and voices for this Rob Ashford’s acclaimed 2014 production of the beloved, fiery classic. American mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard stars as Carmen along with tenor Andrea Caré as Don José, bass-baritone Christian Pursell as Escamillo, and Anita Hartig as Micaela will all make their HGO debuts.
Massenet’s Werther (October 30-November 17, 2020)
After a 40 year absence, HGO brings back this tragic tale of a poet’s unrequited love for a married woman. Billed as having an all-star cast of HGO Studio alumni, the production boasts Arturo Chacón-Cruz in the title role, Ana María Martínez as the target of this obsession, and Joshua Hopkins as her husband.
Joel Thompson and Andrea Davis Pinkney’s The Snowy Day (December 10-20, 2020)
Declare a family snow day for the perfect holiday world premiere to introduce kids to opera. Based on the children’s picture book by Ezra Jack Keats, Snowy Day tells the story of little Peter waking up to a snowy wonderland in New York. HGO artistic director Patrick Summers conducts.
Wagner’s Parsifal (January 22-February 7, 2021)
Begin 2021 with Wagner’s epic metaphysical masterpiece in the tale of a knightly quest for the Holy Grail. Russell Thomas, who makes his HGO and role debut as Radames in Aida this month returns next year as the title knight.
Rossini’s Cinderella (January 29-February 12, 2021)
For a change in tone, HGO also brings a bit of fairytale magic to the Wortham stage with this revival of HGO’s acclaimed 2007 production, directed by Joan Font. Cinderella also brings new faces and voices to Houston with mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as Angelina, tenor Jack Swanson as Prince Ramiro, baritone Sean Michael Plumb as Dandini, and conductor Corrado Rovaris all making their HGO debuts.
Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s Breaking the Waves (April 16-May 1, 2021)
Always innovative, HGO presents this new production based on the Lars von Trier film. A co-production with Opera Ventures, Scottish Opera, and Théâtre national de l’Opéra Comique in association with Adelaide Festival, Breaking the Waves premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 2019 and received rave reviews
Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's The Sound of Music (April 30-May 15, 2021)
HGO presents a classic and audience favorite of musical theater with Jeanine De Bique making her HGO debut as singing governess Maria. As Captain von Trapp, Michael Mayes, returns to HGO after his recent performance in Rigoletto.
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For tickets, subscriptions, and more season announcements, visit Houston Grand Opera online.
HGO takes epic flight with their January 2021 production of Wagner’s Parsifal.
