University Opera 2023/24 Productions
Each year, we present an annual season of two fully staged operas, as well as evenings of opera scenes and one-act operas.
La Calisto - Nov. 14-Nov. 21, 2023
Purchase tickets
$30 Reserved Seating
$25 Seniors
$10 Students
November 14 at 7:30 pm
November 17 at 7:30 pm
November 19 at 2 pm
November 21 at 7:30 pm
Music Hall
Inspired by the myth of Calisto from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Francesco Cavalli’s Baroque opera La Calisto explores themes of gender and power, sex and consent, revenge and justice, mortality and morality. With a lot of comedy thrown in.
Through Cavalli’s expressive score, the gods are brought down to earth, both figuratively and literally. Here they let it all hang out and prove that they are every bit as lustful, pernicious, and simple-minded as mortal human beings.
Jove is in love with Calisto, a devoted follower of the goddess Diana. On advice from Mercury, he disguises himself as Diana and successfully seduces Calisto. Jove’s wife, Juno, takes revenge, turning Calisto into a bear. But Jove manages to save Calisto by transforming her into a constellation, Ursa Major. Along the way, Diana falls in love with the beautiful shepherd Endymion and various hijinks are provided by Linfea, another follower of Diana, and a trio of satyrs.
The production, featuring an ensemble of period instruments – harpischords, theorbo, baroque guitar, baroque harp, organ, and baroque strings – will create an authentic sound world characteristic of the seventeenth century.
Everlasting Faint - December 9, 2023
Tickets on sale soon
General admission: $15
Students: Free (ticket required)
Everlasting Faint
A reading of a new, full-length opera by composer Scott Gendel and librettist Sandra Flores-Strand, featuring UW-Madison students.
December 9, 2023 at 3 pm
Collins Recital Hall
The Light in the Piazza - March 15-19, 2024
March 15-19, 2024
Opera Showcase - Sept. 30, 2023
September 30, 2023 at 2 pm
Collins Recital Hall
Reception to follow in the Hamel Music Center lobby
Opera Workshop Performances - Nov. 28, 2023 & April 9, 2024
November 28, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Music Hall
April 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Music Hall