2020/2021 and 2021/2022 Season FAQ

On the advice of medical experts, and with the full safety of our artists, patrons, and staff of paramount importance, we have determined that the reconfigured 2020/2021 Season of Mainstage operas must be cancelled because of ongoing COVID concerns—even in the socially distanced, 90-minute presentations that were planned. For the same reasons, we have postponed The Dallas Opera National Vocal Competition, The Hart Institute for Women Conductors Showcase Concert, the TDO Family Season performances of Jack and the Beanstalk and Doctor Miracle, and the Student Matinees until later in the year, with dates to be announced over the coming months.

Because of the large number of individuals involved and the frequency and length of rehearsals, bringing the curtain up on grand opera at the Winspear is significantly more challenging than producing symphonic concerts and some theater and dance performances. That is why we regretfully cannot proceed with the spring operas we had planned.

Yes. Plans are in the works for outdoor concerts, new digital performance events, and a short series of recitals to take place in the Winspear later this spring—all of which will be announced in more detail over the coming months.

Our plans to add small scale recitals with piano in the spring, and a few performances with orchestra (including the “VIVA DIVA!” concert starring Joyce DiDonato) will implement a schedule that looks more like a symphony-concert week: one or two artists in town for just a few rehearsals, and the performance. Robust testing will remain a critical part of any rehearsal or performance. If the number of COVID cases in Dallas County recedes as hoped, our safety net becomes less fragile.

The health and safety of our patrons and artists is our top priority. Adhering to social distancing guidelines of six feet between parties, with a maximum of 30 percent of the theater’s seating capacity (approximately 650 seats) will be used.

When we begin presenting live performances in the Winspear, we will operate our public spaces in a manner that is compliant with best practices as recommended by the City, County, and State. Masks for everyone, except for singers on stage, will be compulsory in the lobby spaces and performance hall. If you do not comply with the face mask requirement, you will be respectfully asked to leave the premises. We do not anticipate mandatory temperature checks upon entry for live performances at this time.  Special ventilation protocols have been instituted in the Winspear to ensure maximum air circulation and outdoor air intake in the theater, lobbies, and backstage. A full list of Safety Strategies and audience Code of Conduct expectations can be found on the AT&T Performing Arts Center website. All safety measures will be in compliance with mandated State Health and Human Services regulations for Fine Arts Performance Halls. We are working with the AT&T Performing Arts Center to provide the safest environment possible for our patrons.

You can be sure that before we reopen, every aspect of operating a safe environment within and immediately outside the Winspear Opera House will be in place. Social distancing will be a top priority. We are working closely with the AT&T Performing Arts Center (ATTPAC) as they manage the daily operations of their campus facilities.

For spring 2021 performances:

• Dining at the Skyline Terrace will not be available for Dallas Opera performances. ATTPAC offers contactless ordering and payment for beverages and light snacks through the Noble App. More information here. Note: Only bottled water will be permitted in the performance hall.
• Valet parking will not be available. Wayfinding and safety signs will be prominently located in the parking garage and elevators to notify audiences how to proceed safely to the Winspear.
• ATTPAC prohibits open carrying of handguns (Texas Penal Code 30.07) and concealed carrying of handguns (30.06) on the premises for all live events. The Center will employ new security measures during live events, including walk-through security scanners and bag checks.
• All patrons will have their tickets scanned before entering the building. If you require a ticket reprint, you will be allowed entry to the Box Office.
• Restrooms and interior elevators will have prominent signage for safety guidelines but will be self-monitored. Cleaning crews will sanitize restrooms and lobby spaces regularly during performance times.
• A full list of Safety Strategies and audience Code of Conduct expectations can be found on the AT&T Performing Arts Center website.

Yes! Plans are currently underway for new digital-performance events that will be announced and released over the next few months, so stay tuned! The company will continue to engage its audiences via its digital platform, TDO Network, which offers a wide variety of original content programming viewed to date by more than 89 million people in 50 countries. Please also visit our Video Streaming page to register for full performances of previous simulcast operas from the archives. More content coming soon!

All subscribers will be moved to the new 2021/2022 Season—with their original same seats in the Winspear at no additional cost.* If you choose not to roll your subscription forward, don’t worry. You will receive multiple email notifications outlining your ticketing options prior to new subscriptions going on sale May 17, 2021. Please check your email and reply using the form we sent for the quickest service.

The 2021/2022 Season includes four spectacular productions and a dazzling array of international stars.

• Puccini’s Madame Butterfly—starring Latonia Moore as Cio Cio San and Evan LeRoy Johnson as Pinkerton: February 18, 20 (matinee), 23, and 26, 2022
• Jonathan Dove’s Flight (The Dallas Opera premiere)—starring John Holiday, Karita Mattila, and Jessica Pratt: March 4, 6 (matinee), 9, and 12, 2022
• Rossini’s The Barber of Seville—starring Lucas Meachem as Figaro, Wallis Giunta as Rosina, and Alasdair Kent as Count Almaviva: March 19, 23, 25, and 27 (matinee), 2022
• Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers—starring Joyce El-Khoury as Leïla, René Barbera as Nadir, and Morris Robinson as Nourabad: April 2, 6, 8, and 10 (matinee), 2022

In the unlikely event that you choose not to commit to the spectacular 2021/2022 Season at this time, don’t worry. You will have the option of 1) donating the value of your tickets to TDO’s special DOER fundraising campaign, 2) retaining a credit (if applicable) to your account to decide later, or 3) receiving a refund.

*Note: If physical distancing requirements prevent us from providing your same seats in 2022, we will do our best to keep you located in your seating section in comparable seats. We ask that subscribers be flexible to accommodate future seating guidelines that are unknown at this time.

Our plan is to renew all 2020/2021 subscribers into the 2021/2022 Season in their same preferred seats at no additional cost. If physical distancing requirements prevent us from providing your same seats in 2022, we will do our best to keep you located in your seating section in comparable seats. We ask that subscribers be flexible to accommodate future seating guidelines that are unknown at this time.

Of course. If you choose not to hold onto your ticket/s for a possible rescheduled date, you have the option of 1) donating the value of your tickets to TDO’s special DOER fundraising campaign, 2) retaining a credit to your account to decide later if you would like to apply the value to a future performance, or 3) receiving a refund. Please check your email and reply using the form we sent for the quickest service.

Yes! Subscribers who renewed for the 2020/2021 Season and patrons interested in a new subscription for the 2021/2022 Season may include the Joyce DiDonato VIVA DIVA! concert on May 10, 2021 as part of their series package at the discounted 2020/2021 price! Please call Patron Services at 214.443.1000 Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm and a representative will assist you with your request.

Not yet. The Dallas Opera’s Box Office at the Winspear Opera House is currently closed. All staff are working remotely, including our Patron Services team. To speak with a Patron Services representative, call 214.443.1000 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. You may also email us at info@dallasopera.org.

We are working hard to provide the best customer service to all our patrons. Credit card refund requests can take up to 30 days to process from the date requested. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

We have not yet announced a single ticket on sale date for the 2021/2022 Season. Subscribers and donors always have priority notification for purchasing single tickets in advance of the general public, so we’ll keep you apprised.

TDO Network content has been viewed by more than 89 million viewers in 50 countries! Keep up with the opera world and your Dallas Opera, tune in, and enjoy the myriad specially produced shows. Follow, like, comment, share, and tag!

The Dallas Opera will return to glorious, full-scale grand opera productions in February 2022—a season that includes three of the most popular masterworks ever composed (Madame Butterfly, The Barber of Seville, and The Pearl Fishers), and a fascinating modern opera (Flight), that has received rave reviews since its 1998 premiere! New subscriptions will be available May 17, 2021. Review the season details here and sign up to reserve your seats today!

The Dallas Opera needs your financial support more than ever to prepare for the spring programs and beyond. Your critical support today is needed to raise $4 million more by June 30. To reach this goal, the Challenge Grant deadline has been extended, with every new and increased gift matched dollar for dollar, up to $450,000. Your gift to The Dallas Opera Excellence and Resilience (DOER) Fund helps keep us strong and thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic. You make possible world-class opera and enriching digital programs that are accessible to all! Become a DOER today.