Opera Memphis

08/30/2026

30 Days of Opera starts September 1!
We’re so excited to be kicking off our first week of the 15th year of 30 Days of Opera! Check out where you can find us starting Tuesday. Whether you’re stopping for lunch on Main Street, taking a break at the park, joining the community for a grand opening, or something in between, there’s something for everyone!

And don’t forget to join us for a Pirates-themed Family Day on September 7! 🏴‍☠️

Where will we see you this week?
Want more info? https://www.operamemphis.org/event-calendar

08/28/2026

Meet Opera Memphis’ new Music Director, Donald Lee III!
Donald has been with us for just two weeks and is already coaching artists, practicing repertoire, and gearing up for 30 Days of Opera. But what is the man behind the baton like?

Watch the video to get to know Donald!

08/27/2026

Meet Hallie Schmidt, our Soprano Handorf Company Artist! Schmidt will be debuting in Memphis with her dream role as Gilda in Rigoletto! She is looking forward to eating her way around the city too.
Any other Memphians who do Irish Dancing? (Why do we ask? Well, check out Hallie’s fun fact!)

08/26/2026

Meet Reece Ruhl, our newest Handorf Company Artist tenor! Ruhl is no stranger to the Opera Memphis stage, and we are so excited to see him in larger roles this season. He is looking forward to exploring our community and learning more about Memphis’ history.
So, Memphis, drop your favorite museums and historic locations around town that Reece shouldn’t miss!

08/26/2026

Meet Miastasha Gonzalez-Colón!
Our newest Handorf Company Artist and Falvey-Woodside Mezzo-Soprano, Miastasha is making her Opera Memphis debut this season! She's looking forward to expanding her artistry, taking on new challenges, and getting to know Memphis along the way.

So, Memphis, we have a very important assignment for you:
Where should Miastasha eat?!�Drop your favorite local restaurants in the comments and help us give her the ultimate (Opera) Memphis welcome!

08/21/2026

We could not be more excited to taste Bel Canto, our 70th anniversary beer, made with love by Crosstown Brewing Company!
C'mon by Crosstown Brewing tomorrow around 3 PM to meet our new Music Director and Handorf Company Artists!
https://memphisbeerblog.com/2026/08/21/crosstown-brewing-releases-bel-canto-vienna-lager-for-opera-memphis-70th-anniversary/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAT1NVVwZG9mBWZkaWQWUM6VUGxvQ0TqImW2iO4DgdQcJAtSbGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5RX_Ppabnt-4nVZHJgu8Af6M4GzOfuHc3Z-gx5-mBALyZEMcyh7F8KLpaqAw_aem_hfL6rV0ZQc1irxfSCTuHkg

Crosstown Brewing and Opera Memphis team up on Bel Canto, a limited-release Vienna lager celebrating Opera Memphis’ 70th anniversary.

08/18/2026

🎟Introducing Opera Uncorked!🎟
Like Opera? Like Wine? Join us on August 31 at 6:00 PM for Opera Uncorked! This unique experience will allow you to meet/hear our Handorf Company Artists for the first time, plus try new wines that are specifically paired with their voices.

Tickets: $30 per person and must be purchased in advance - each ticket comes with five wine tastings; a mocktail option will be available.
Call 901.257.3100 or go online to purchase. https://operamemphis.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ #/events/a0SUq00000JiNIvMAN

08/17/2026

🎶 Introducing Donald Lee III, Opera Memphis’ new Music Director!
Donald is a passionate advocate for opera and contemporary music who has worked with opera companies and symphonies across the country. As a conductor and collaborative pianist, he is known for his versatility and charisma, as well as his advocacy for new music and underrepresented composers.
We are so excited to welcome Donald Lee III to the Opera Memphis team and can't wait for you to get to know him!
Want to learn more about Donald? Tune in to Checking on the Arts with WKNO tomorrow at 9:00 AM on 91.1 FM to hear more about our new Music Director!
Learn more about Donald at donaldleeiii.com.

08/14/2026

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years of Sarah Squire! 🎉
For two decades, Sarah has been our constant at Opera Memphis—and we truly can’t imagine this company without her.

As our Chief Operating Officer, Sarah helps keep Opera Memphis moving forward. She brings wisdom, dedication, humor, and an incredible amount of heart to everything she does. Sarah is more than just an employee; she is an artist, a leader, a teacher, a constant, and, most importantly, a bundle of knowledge. Her dedication and expertise have helped shape Opera Memphis and continue to carry us into the future.

And we aren't the only ones who think she's pretty special. ❤️

We asked some of the people who have had the privilege of working with Sarah over the years to share a few words about her/their favorite photos. Their memories and reflections are a wonderful reminder of just how much she means to the Opera Memphis family.

Happy 20th Work Anniversary, Sarah! Thank you for two decades of keeping us going, steering the ship, supporting our people, and giving so much of yourself to Opera Memphis. We are so lucky to have you. 🎶❤️

Here’s to Sarah—and to many more years of singing and working together!