Calgary Opera Announces Diverse 2026/2027 Season Featuring Classic Operas
Calgary Opera has officially revealed its ambitious lineup for the 2026/2027 season, promising a rich blend of grand operas and family-friendly productions that will captivate audiences across Southern Alberta. The season will feature three major productions at the Jubilee Auditorium alongside a special family show at the Mamdani Opera Centre, showcasing the company's commitment to both traditional repertoire and community engagement.
Season Highlights and Performance Details
The company will launch its season in October 2026 with Giacomo Puccini's political thriller Tosca, a dramatic exploration of love, betrayal, and political intrigue set in Rome. This production will run on October 16, 18, and 24, with artistic director Jonathan Brandani conducting and Joshua Borths serving as stage director. The opera follows the tragic love triangle between the fiery diva Tosca, revolutionary painter Cavaradossi, and the brutal police chief Scarpia.
In January 2027, Calgary Opera will present Jules Massenet's enchanting adaptation of Cinderella, bringing the classic fairy tale to life with a French operatic twist. This production will feature playwright Mieko Ouchi as director, following her successful work on Calgary Opera's Little Red Riding Hood in 2025, with Jacques Lacombe conducting. Performances are scheduled for January 29, 31, and February 6, 2027.
Shakespearean Tragedy and Family Programming
The spring of 2027 will see Calgary Opera present Giuseppe Verdi's powerful adaptation of Otello, based on William Shakespeare's tragic tale of jealousy and deception. First performed in Milan in 1887, this opera represents one of Verdi's most compelling late works. The production will run on April 16, 18, and 24, 2027, with Brandani conducting and Elizabeth Stepkowski Tarhan directing.
In November 2026, the company's McPhee Artist Development Program will present Seymour Barab's The Pied Piper at the Mamdani Opera Centre. This family-friendly adventure story about a mysterious piper seeking revenge on dishonest townspeople will include multiple performances from November 13-22, 2026, featuring a special sensory-friendly performance on November 21. The production will also tour Southern Alberta schools in February 2027.
Artistic Vision and Additional Events
Artistic director Jonathan Brandani emphasized the emotional power of the selected works, stating: "Opera is meant to be felt—viscerally, together, in the moment. We've chosen works that make hearts race, may bring unexpected tears, and remind us why nothing compares to the power of the human voice in live performance. These are stories that reveal something new about the characters and about us."
Beyond the mainstage productions, Calgary Opera will host various intimate gatherings throughout the season, including:
- Opera brunches featuring discussions and performances
- Arias + Ales events at the Best of Kin Social venue
- Cabaret performances showcasing emerging artists from the McPhee program
This diverse season reflects Calgary Opera's dedication to presenting both classic operatic masterpieces and accessible programming for all ages, strengthening the company's role as a cultural cornerstone in Alberta's artistic landscape.
