Opera Mississippi

10/28/2026

‼️ DEADLINE TO ENTER: NOVEMBER 14, 2026! 🎶 For over a decade participants and winners of the John Alexander National Vocal Competition have gone to enjoy successful careers in opera and musical theatre. It’s a chance to sing for some of the leading casting and stage directors, win cash prizes, and build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Eight finalists will be chosen from virtual auditions, and invited to perform at 2 concerts: Saturday, February 6, 2026 at St. Paul's Church in Meridian, MS; and the “Vibrations: National Winners Concert” on February 7, 2026 at the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall at Mississippi Christian University in Clinton, MS.

First and second place prizes will be awarded in the following divisions and categories:
• Professional Artist Opera
• Professional Artists Musical Theatre / Crossover
• Young Artist Opera
• Young Artist Musical Theatre / Crossover

The final prizes and placements will be announced at the "Vibrations" concert. Monetary prizes for First Place are $1,200, Second Place $900. Winners are considered for roles in upcoming Opera Mississippi productions.

For additional info, eligibility and guiltiness, judges bios, and competition application, please visit:
https://www.operams.org/john-alexander-vocal-competition

The John Alexander National Vocal Competition and the "Vibrations" concert are presented by the Robert M. Hearing Support Foundation.

10/15/2026

Tickets still available for our tribute concert to Two Legends in Jazz Music at Duling Hall on Monday, October 26th!! https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/8lz9q9

Join us for a Salute to Two Legends of American Jazz in our next production in the "Season of the Heart"! ❤️ Tickets on sale now: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/8lz9q9

🎶 Featuring the Larry Panella Quintet

📆 Monday, October 26, 2026
⏰ Show 7:00 pm / Doors 6:00 pm
📌 Duling Hall: 622 Duling Avenue, Jackson, MS
🎫 General Seating. Admission $40

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Few artists have shaped American music as profoundly as Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Born just months apart in 1926, these legendary musicians transformed jazz, expanded the language of modern music, and influenced generations of artists around the world. Opera Mississippi will celebrate their extraordinary legacies with Centennial Giants: Coltrane and Davis, an unforgettable evening honoring two of the most visionary figures in American music.

Davis and Coltrane first crossed paths in the legendary Miles Davis Quintet, where Davis’s cool, understated trumpet sound met Coltrane’s searching, fiery saxophone. Together, they helped create some of the most influential recordings in jazz history, including music associated with the landmark album Kind of Blue. Though their artistic paths eventually diverged, both continued to challenge convention and redefine what jazz could become.

As the world marks the 100th anniversary of their births, Centennial Giants: Coltrane and Davis is an event that celebrates these two innovators whose music continues to inspire, challenge, and move audiences.

The Larry Panella Quintet is:
🎷 Larry Panella, Saxophone
🎺 Ashlin Parker, Trumpet
🎹 Sam Bruton, Piano
🎻 David Pellow, Bass
🥁 Nathan Sanders, Percussion

More Information and talent bios:
https://www.operams.org/centennial-giants-coltrane-davis

Questions & Box Office:
601-960-2300 or [email protected]

10/15/2026

CALL FOR AUDITIONS: Want a chance to wear elaborate costumes and share the stage with us while singing some of the most beautiful music ever written? Opera Mississippi is hosting chorus auditions for our spring production of "The Barber of Seville"! This is a great opportunity to participate in the arts!

📆 Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00pm
📆 Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00pm
📍 Arts Center of Mississippi: 201 East Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS

To register and for info on audition requirements, visit https://operams.org/auditions or https://bit.ly/ChorusAuditionApp-OperaMS

Anyone from the community is welcome to audition for the Opera Chorus. Interested community singers of all ages, college and university music students, advanced high school music students, young and emerging artists, and professional singers who live within driving distance of Jackson, Mississippi are encouraged to apply. Those who have participated in our opera chorus in previous seasons do not need to re-audition, but instead should email our chorus master with their intent.

No A Ca****la Auditions. Apply on our website to submit your application digitally if you are not able to audition in person. There is no cost to audition.

Usually registering for auditions are through the online form only, *however* because of the short notice applicants may also contact our Chorus Master, Dr. Philip McCown, at [email protected] or by text/calling 706-263-9805. Singers are asked to register by October 20, 2026, so audition times can be scheduled.

10/15/2026

Welcome aboard, Theresa!

Opera Mississippi is pleased to announce that Theresa Love has joined its Board of Directors.

09/24/2026

Join us for a Salute to Two Legends of American Jazz in our next production in the "Season of the Heart"! ❤️ Tickets on sale now: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/8lz9q9

🎶 Featuring the Larry Panella Quintet

📆 Monday, October 26, 2026
⏰ Show 7:00 pm / Doors 6:00 pm
📌 Duling Hall: 622 Duling Avenue, Jackson, MS
🎫 General Seating. Admission $40

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Few artists have shaped American music as profoundly as Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Born just months apart in 1926, these legendary musicians transformed jazz, expanded the language of modern music, and influenced generations of artists around the world. Opera Mississippi will celebrate their extraordinary legacies with Centennial Giants: Coltrane and Davis, an unforgettable evening honoring two of the most visionary figures in American music.

Davis and Coltrane first crossed paths in the legendary Miles Davis Quintet, where Davis’s cool, understated trumpet sound met Coltrane’s searching, fiery saxophone. Together, they helped create some of the most influential recordings in jazz history, including music associated with the landmark album Kind of Blue. Though their artistic paths eventually diverged, both continued to challenge convention and redefine what jazz could become.

As the world marks the 100th anniversary of their births, Centennial Giants: Coltrane and Davis is an event that celebrates these two innovators whose music continues to inspire, challenge, and move audiences.

The Larry Panella Quintet is:
🎷 Larry Panella, Saxophone
🎺 Ashlin Parker, Trumpet
🎹 Sam Bruton, Piano
🎻 David Pellow, Bass
🥁 Nathan Sanders, Percussion

More Information and talent bios:
https://www.operams.org/centennial-giants-coltrane-davis

Questions & Box Office:
601-960-2300 or [email protected]

09/19/2026

09/18/2026

Our first show is almost upon us! Join us Monday, September 21st at Duling Hall! Tickets still available!

Don't fall to pieces by missing the first show of our Season of the Heart! ❤️ Tickets on sale now: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/8lz9q9

🎶 Featuring the talents of Patricia Garner and Tyler Kemp
📆 Monday, September 21, 2026
⏰ Show 7:00 pm / Doors 6:00 pm
📌 Duling Hall: 622 Duling Avenue, Jackson, MS
🎫 General Seating. Admission $40
🍸 Enjoy Opera Happy Hour before the show, starting at 6:00pm.

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Few voices have captured the heart of America like the unforgettable Patsy Cline. With her rich tone, emotional depth, and timeless songs, Cline defined an era and left a legacy that continues to inspire singers and audiences alike. Now, experience an evening that brings her legendary music back to life in a concert celebration of one of country music’s greatest icons.

This dazzling performance by vocalist Patricia Garner and pianist Tyler Kemp showcases many of her most beloved hits, including "Crazy", "I Fall to Pieces", "Walkin’ After Midnight", "She’s Got You", and "Sweet Dreams". Each song carries the warmth, heartbreak, and spirit that made Cline a household name and a trailblazer for women in country music.

"Crazy for Lovin’ You" captures the magic of her artistry and transports audiences to a golden age of American music. From tender ballads to foot-tapping classics, this concert is both a nostalgic journey for longtime fans and a heartfelt introduction for new generations. Join us for an afternoon of storytelling through song and celebrate the life, the music, and the voice of the one and only Patsy Cline.

More Information and talent bios:
https://www.operams.org/crazy-for-lovin-you

Questions & Box Office:
601-960-2300 or [email protected]

05/22/2026

Important Update from Opera Mississippi

Due to unexpected conflicts, our Faith & Freedom event has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

We are deeply grateful for your support this season and for continuing to champion the arts in Mississippi.

We also encourage you to attend Juneteenth Free Day at the Two Mississippi Museums on June 19, 2026, featuring free admission, cultural programming, interactive exhibits, and musical tributes.

Thank you for being part of the Opera Mississippi family.

04/23/2026

So honored to be named a finalist for the Charlie Holt Business Award by the Sales & Marketing Professionals of Mississippi at this year’s Pinnacle Awards!!