In this outstanding John Conklin production from Cincinnati Opera, set during the Roman occupation of Gaul in 50 B.C., a passionate love triangle in the midst of a deepening culture clash leads to dangerous consequences. A Druid high priestess, Norma, is in the throes of despair after learning her lover, a Roman proconsul with whom she has two children, has been unfaithful.

Starring Elza van den Heever • Marina Costa-Jackson • Yonghoon Lee • Christian Van Horn • Mithra Mastropierro • Charles Karanja

Conductor Emmanuel Villaume • Director: Nic Muni •  Set and Costume Designer John Conklin • Lighting Designer Thomas Hase

In one of Puccini’s earliest works, Manon Lescaut, the popular party girl of Paris, is brought to glamorous life. Destined for life in a convent, the beautiful Manon meets the romantic Chevalier des Grieux, leading to a whirlwind love affair.

However, Manon’s tastes are more expensive than des Grieux can provide, so when the wealthy Geronte offers her a life of luxury, what can a girl do but accept?

The return of des Grieux reignites the couple’s passion, causing a desperate attempt at escape and their fatal downfall. Presented in a semi-staged setting, the lush melodies of Puccini’s score are brought to the forefront, showcasing the lengths people will go to when they’re madly in love.

Puccini’s timeless La Bohème combines soaring music and heartbreaking drama to show how love affects the lives of a group of friends. As the fragile seamstress Mimi asks the poet Rodolfo to light her candle, they fall head over heels in love with each other. At the same time, Marcello is falling back into the arms of the feisty and flirtatious Musetta.

It soon becomes clear that Mimi’s health is failing, and she and Rodolfo must decide if their relationship can survive the inevitable tragedy ahead.

As Puccini’s most popular work, La Bohème is a sweeping love story which balances the heights of romance with the hard truth that happiness comes at a cost.

The toast of the opera repertoire, La Traviata sees the famed courtesan Violetta Valery navigate the twists and turns of the one thing she hoped never to come up against: love. The attentions of the love-struck Alfredo turns Violetta’s safe world upside down, making her question whether this young man is worth giving up her independence. On the request of Alfredo’s father, Violetta shows herself to be much more than any man has ever given her credit for, leading to a seeming betrayal which spirals both her and Alfredo to their tragic conclusions. La Traviata features one of Verdi’s most beautiful scores, from the rousing brindisi to some of the most romantic moments in all opera. A timeless romantic classic that has no chance at a happy ending, La Traviata is a must-see.
Starring Georgia Jarman • René Barbera • Vladislav Sulimsky • Abigail Levis* • Brenton Ryan* • Ryan Kuster  • Daniel Armstrong* • Rachel Sterrenberg*

Conductor Carlo Montanaro• Director Stefania Panighini* • Set and Costume Designer Desmond Heely • Light Design Alan Burrett

*Dallas Opera debut

With poignant melodies, unforgettable characters and a heart-wrenching storyline, Madame Butterfly has captivated audiences and dampened handkerchiefs for more than a hundred years. Loosely based on true events in Nagasaki, Japan, Madame Butterfly tells the tale of a naïve Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly), blinded by her love for a callous American naval officer.

Starring Hui He • Gianluca Terranova • Lucas Meachem • Manuela Custer

Conductor Donato Renzetti • Director John Copley • Set Designer Michael Yeargan • Lighting Designer Duane Schuler

Set in late 18th century France, this is a timeless tale of young love and the allure of life’s unavoidable temptations. Can a woman with a taste for the best things in life sacrifice it all – for the one man whose love is both unconditional and never-ending?

Starring Ailyn Pérez • Stephen Costello • Edwin Crossley-Mercer • David Pittsinger

Conductor Graeme Jenkins • Production Sir David McVicar • Director E. Loren Meeker • Set and Costume Designer Tanya McCallin