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Rigoletto is a show that stays with you, even after the last note is sung. First performed in 1851, Giuseppe Verdi's Rig...
10/12/2026

Rigoletto is a show that stays with you, even after the last note is sung. First performed in 1851, Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto has captivated audiences for 175 years with its unforgettable music and powerful story of love, betrayal, and revenge.

On October 24, Opera Memphis joins forces with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra to bring this tale of love, betrayal, and revenge to the Cannon Center for ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Whether you're a lifelong opera lover or experiencing opera for the very first time, Rigoletto offers an evening of extraordinary music, powerful voices, and a story that still resonates today.

Join us on Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 PM for a concert performance of Rigoletto, sung in Italian with English subtitles.

🎟️: https://memphissymphony.org/calendar/tchaikovsky-violin-concerto-484ja-ttxct-7km23-6llf2-yfwa2

Over the past week, we’ve looked back at the people, productions, milestones, and memories that have shaped our company ...
10/10/2026

Over the past week, we’ve looked back at the people, productions, milestones, and memories that have shaped our company since 1956. While we’re deeply disappointed that we aren’t able to celebrate together at the Overton Park Shell tonight, there is still so much to celebrate.

For 70 years, Opera Memphis has been part of this city’s story—and that story continues.

Thank you to every artist, audience member, staff member, volunteer, donor, partner, and friend who has been part of the journey.

Here’s to 70 years of Opera Memphis, and to all that comes next. ❤️

With heavy hearts, we announce the cancellation of our 70th Anniversary Concert at the Overton Park Shell due to weather...
10/09/2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the cancellation of our 70th Anniversary Concert at the Overton Park Shell due to weather.

Following guidance from the National Weather Service, the Overton Park Shell has made the difficult decision to cancel tomorrow evening’s event.

While we are incredibly disappointed that we won’t be able to celebrate this milestone together as planned, 70 years of Opera Memphis is much bigger than one night.

We hope you’ll continue celebrating with us throughout our Anniversary season, and we look forward to singing with you again very soon. ❤️

And just like that, we’ve made it to 2017–2026!This decade has brought change, challenges, new beginnings, and plenty of...
10/08/2026

And just like that, we’ve made it to 2017–2026!

This decade has brought change, challenges, new beginnings, and plenty of opera.

In 2019, Opera Memphis presented The Falling and the Rising, a work we co-commissioned that shares stories inspired by the experiences of U.S. military service members—and our production even included current and retired military personnel.

Then came 2020. While COVID-19 shut down stages across the country, Opera Memphis found ways to keep bringing opera to our community, earning a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Memphis.

A few years later, we said goodbye to our longtime home, selling the Clark Opera Memphis Center in 2022 and officially moving into our new Midtown home in October 2023.

And we haven’t slowed down since.

In 2024, we brought La bohème home with a production set in 1912 Memphis and brought back our Summer Conservatory. In 2025, we sold out two performances of Carmen and welcomed the opera field to Memphis as host of OPERA America’s national conference.

Most recently, Opera Memphis was the only opera company in the country selected to receive an NEA America250 grant, and in 2026 we presented the world premiere of Pretty Little Room.

Seventy years later, Opera Memphis is still creating, changing, and finding new ways to bring opera to our city.

Join us on October 10 at 7:00 PM at the Overton Park Shell for our FREE 70th Anniversary Concert!

2007–2016 is up next: Opera Memphis was finding new ways to bring opera into the community!The decade was packed with pr...
10/07/2026

2007–2016 is up next: Opera Memphis was finding new ways to bring opera into the community!

The decade was packed with productions, along with programs like Opera Teen Camp and new leadership. Ned Canty joined Opera Memphis as General Director in 2011, and in 2012, 30 Days of Opera began—taking opera beyond the stage and into neighborhoods and unexpected spaces throughout Memphis.

In 2014, Opera Memphis produced its commissioned Memphis story, The Ghosts of Crosstown, and in 2016, the Midtown Opera Festival continued that spirit of bringing opera into new spaces and new experiences.

And because our history apparently needed a Snoop Dogg cameo… he met Chelsea Miller herself in 2016. 😎

Oh, and Rigoletto? Yep. Again. In 2013. We told you we really like that one.

From the opera house to the streets of Memphis, this decade was all about finding new ways to share opera with our city.

Join us on October 10 at 7:00 PM at the Overton Park Shell for our FREE 70th Anniversary Concert!

1997–2006 brought new traditions, new works, and a new home for Opera Memphis!After joining Opera Memphis in 1992, Micha...
10/06/2026

1997–2006 brought new traditions, new works, and a new home for Opera Memphis!

After joining Opera Memphis in 1992, Michael Ching continued making his mark on the company, including the 1997 Opera Memphis premiere of his Buoso’s Ghost. That same year, another Opera Memphis tradition began—the Wild Game Dinner!

Throughout the decade, audiences saw countless productions and familiar faces, including Memphis’ own Kallen Esperian, whose involvement with the company continued to grow.

Then, in 2004, Opera Memphis officially had a home of its own with the opening of the Clark Opera Memphis Center.

And because apparently we really love Rigoletto, it returned to the Opera Memphis stage in 2006! You can catch it again THIS season on October 24. BUT FIRST —join us October 10 at 7:00 PM at the Overton Park Shell for our FREE 70th Anniversary Concert!

1987–1996 is up next!During this decade, Opera Memphis continued to grow while expanding its commitment to opera educati...
10/05/2026

1987–1996 is up next!

During this decade, Opera Memphis continued to grow while expanding its commitment to opera education throughout the city.

In 1992, composer and conductor Michael Ching joined Opera Memphis as Artistic Director, beginning an 18-year tenure with the company.

From 1993–1995, Opera Memphis received an Arts Plus Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, helping strengthen education and outreach programs and support the creation and production of three student-written operas at schools across Shelby County. We even welcomed NEA Chairman Anne-Imelda Radice to Craigmont for an NEA visit!

Then in 1995, Opera Memphis celebrated 40 years with Rigoletto.
And yes—we’re bringing Rigoletto back for our 70th Anniversary season on October 24, 2026!

Before then, join us on October 10 at 7:00 PM at the Overton Park Shell for our FREE 70th Anniversary Concert!

Our look back through 70 years of Opera Memphis continues with a decade of big changes and major milestones.During the 1...
10/04/2026

Our look back through 70 years of Opera Memphis continues with a decade of big changes and major milestones.

During the 1977–78 season, the company celebrated its 20th anniversary, and shortly afterward, Memphis Opera Theatre officially became Opera Memphis, Inc. Recognition would soon follow.

In 1980, Opera Memphis received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Arts, while Southern Opera Theatre received the National Opera Institute’s Award for Service to American Opera.

The decade also brought legendary voices to Memphis, including Beverly Sills in 1980 and Leontyne Price in 1985.

From a new name to national recognition, Opera Memphis was making its mark.

Join us October 10 at 7:00 PM at the Overton Park Shell as we celebrate 70 years with our FREE 70th Anniversary Concert!

*A special thanks to the Special Collections Department, University Libraries, University of Memphis, for having a few of these programs and award notices.*

As we continue counting down to our 70th Anniversary Concert, we’re looking back at a decade of growth for Memphis Opera...
10/03/2026

As we continue counting down to our 70th Anniversary Concert, we’re looking back at a decade of growth for Memphis Opera Theatre.
In 1967, the company presented its first world premiere with Deseret. By 1971, Memphis Opera Theatre started a residency with Memphis State University, and in 1973, productions expanded to two performances each.
Then, in 1974, Southern Opera Theatre was formed to spread and educate our community about opera. Also in 1974, we began a partnership with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra—one that continues to this day.

A lot can change in ten years, but one thing remains the same: “Opera lives and thrives in Memphis.”

Join us October 10 at 7:00 PM at the Overton Park Shell for our FREE 70th Anniversary Concert!

Join us later in the week for more photos from this time period.
*A HUGE thank you to the preservers of our programs: the Memphis and Shelby County Room, Memphis Public Library & Information Center. A HUGE thank you for photos, programs, and more from the University Archives, Special Collections Department, University of Memphis Libraries*

We are gearing up for our 70th Anniversary concert, so we’re taking a look back through the history of the company.In 19...
10/02/2026

We are gearing up for our 70th Anniversary concert, so we’re taking a look back through the history of the company.

In 1956, civic leaders and members of the Beethoven Club founded the Memphis Opera Theater. Its first production, Introduction to Opera, was performed on October 9, 1956, followed closely by La Traviata in 1957.

From 1956–1966, the company produced at least 16 productions, all with a mission that still rings true today: “to enrich the musical life of the community.”

Take a look through a few pieces from our archives, including programs, newspaper clippings, and a photo from the 1963 production of The Medium.

In 1963, Memphis Opera Theater said it was “concentrating on quality.”

And we still are.
Don’t believe us? Come be the judge on October 10 at 7:00 PM for our FREE 70th Anniversary Concert at the Overton Park Shell!

*A HUGE thank you to the preservers of our programs: the Memphis and Shelby County Room, Memphis Public Library & Information Center*

Address

216 S Cooper Street
Memphis, TN
38104

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19012573100

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