July 8, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AVA presents classic Italian repertoire for 92nd season.
Philadelphia, PA – July 7, 2026 – Philadelphia’s prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is proud to announce its 2026-27 Opera Season, presenting a repertoire of classic Italian operas. Established in 1934, AVA has been a keystone of Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, nurturing world-class opera talent and captivating audiences with its exceptional productions and concerts.
This season opens with Gaetano Donizetti’s beloved comedy, L’elisir d’amore, about a hopelessly smitten villager who turns to a “magic” love potion to win over his sharp-witted love interest, only to learn that love can’t be bottled. L’elisir d’amore begins its run in Center City with AVA’s Opening Night Celebration on November 7, 2026, at AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater. The black-tie optional fundraiser kicks off at 5:00 PM with cocktails and dinner, followed by the opera and a dessert reception with the artists. Suburban performances take place at Delaware Valley University on November 20 (semi-staged with full costumes and the orchestra featured on stage), Lehigh University on November 22, at The Haverford School on December 1, offering audiences multiple locations to experience Donizetti’s masterpiece. This production marks the return to AVA for distinguished conductor Steven White, who conducted last season’s critically applauded Falstaff, while veteran stage director and AVA alumnus Damon Nestor Ploumis (’99) brings the plot to life onstage.
In December, AVA presents Métamorphoses: Three Centuries of French Imagination, a journey through the rich and ever-evolving landscape of French song. This recital takes place December 9 and 11 and explores the artistry, poetry, and imagination that have defined the French vocal tradition across the modern era, revealing continually reimagined themes of love, nature, memory, and transformation. AVA Vocal Coach Matthieu Cognet serves as music director and pianist.
In February, a special double bill of Il tabarro / Gianni Schicchi from Giacomo Puccini’s famous Il trittico collection takes the AVA stage and runs February 13 to February 20. In Il tabarro, the powers of jealousy, betrayal, and forbidden love collide in a dark and gripping thriller, ending in a shocking final twist. In Gianni Schicchi, when a wealthy man dies and leaves his fortune to a monastery, his greedy relatives turn to the quick-witted Gianni Schicchi to help rewrite the will with hilarious consequences. Maestro Joseph Colaneri and stage director John de los Santos both return to AVA to conduct and direct, respectively.
AVA then presents Tapestry: Threads of American Song, March 16 and 18. This recital brings together a vibrant selection of music ranging from the Great American Songbook to contemporary works, celebrating the richness and diversity of American songwriting, curated as a musical journey through styles and eras. AVA Vocal Coach Michael Lewis serves as music director and pianist.
Closing AVA’s 2026-27 Opera Season is Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic masterpiece, Il trovatore, conducted by Joseph Colaneri and directed by Jeffrey Buchmann, who both return to AVA for this production. In Il trovatore, a dark family legend drives the headstrong Count di Luna on a bloody quest for truth and revenge, resulting in one of opera’s most shocking final scenes. This production opens on April 17, 2027, at AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater, with one suburban performance at The Haverford School’s Centennial Hall on May 4, ensuring accessibility for opera enthusiasts throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
Resident scenic designer Cameron Anderson returns to AVA for her third opera season of innovative set designs. Last season Cameron transformed AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater into a Mediterranean villa for Le nozze di Figaro, a ruined palace for I Capuleti e i Montecchi, and a verdant forest for Falstaff. This season Cameron brings more of her adventurous creativity to AVA’s opera season.
“It is exciting to be able to present a beautiful selection of classic Italian operas this season,” said Scott Guzielek, AVA President and Artistic Director. “I think this season’s titles, ranging from Donizetti’s comedic genius to the versatility of Puccini, and the grand finale from Verdi, will please opera lovers and continue to show AVA’s commitment to opera’s core repertoire. We are looking forward to seeing our loyal and dedicated audience for another wonderful season.”
AVA’s 2026-27 season also includes a rich selection of recitals and concerts guaranteed to enchant fans of beautiful singing. The New Artist Recital welcomes AVA’s incoming class of 6 Resident Artists and provides an awe-inspiring opportunity to showcase their talents in a venue known for its acoustic excellence and visual grandeur. Vocal Coach José Meléndez provides musical direction and accompanies the new class of Resident Artists on piano at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square on September 25, 2026.
The excitement continues with the annual Giargiari Bel Canto Competition on October 3, 2026, at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. For over 45 years, this exciting annual singing competition has seen AVA’s Resident Artists compete for significant prizes while performing some of opera’s most beloved compositions. This interactive event invites audiences to witness an unforgettable evening of vocal excellence while also voting for their favorite performer for the Audience Choice Prize. This much-loved annual competition highlights AVA’s commitment to supporting the next generation of opera singers by fostering healthy competition and motivation for artistic achievement. Master Vocal Coach Danielle Orlando provides musical direction and accompanies the Resident Artists on piano.
The final performance is the Farewell Recital on May 13, 2027, at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square. This special recital honors AVA’s graduating class of Resident Artists as they bid farewell, with each artist carefully curating a selection of pieces that mirrors their unique musical journeys, triumphs, and personal nostalgia. Vocal Coach José Meléndez provides musical direction and accompanies the graduating class on piano.
Tickets and Subscriptions: Subscriptions and single tickets for AVA’s 2026-27 Opera Season are now on sale. For more information, please visit AVA’s official website at avaopera.org or call 215-735-1685.
AVA’s 92nd Opera Season Performance Dates:
New Artist Recital
September 25, 2026, 7:30 PM
The Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia
Giargiari Bel Canto Competition
October 3, 2026, 7:30 PM
Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
L’elisir d’amore
November 7, 2026, 5:00 PM (Opening Night Celebration)
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
November 10, 12 & 14, 2026, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
November 20, 2026, 6:00 PM
Delaware Valley University’s Life Sciences Building
This performance will be semi-staged with full costumes. The orchestra will be featured on stage.
November 22, 2026, 4:00 PM
Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center
*For tickets to this performance, please call 610-758-2728, ext. 0.
December 1, 2026, 7:30 PM
The Haverford School’s Centennial Hall
Métamorphoses: Three Centuries of French Imagination
December 9 & 11, 2026, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
Il tabarro / Gianni Schicchi
February 13, 16, 18 & 20, 2027, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
Tapestry: Threads of American Song
March 16 & 18, 2027, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
Il trovatore
April 17, 20, 22 & 24, 2027, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
May 4, 2027, 7:30 PM
The Haverford School’s Centennial Hall
Farewell Recital
May 13, 2027, 7:30 PM
The Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia
About the Academy of Vocal Arts: The mission of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is to be the world’s premier institution for training young artists to become international opera soloists. Through rigorous instruction and coaching, and by presentations of Resident Artists from around the world in concerts, oratorios, public programs and fully staged professional opera productions, AVA trains artists with the high potential for career success while enriching lives in Philadelphia and beyond. Gifted singers come from throughout the world to seek the exceptional guidance and training that AVA offers. Admission is determined by competitive annual auditions. AVA is distinguished by its reputation for high-quality performances that are acclaimed by critics locally, nationally, and internationally. Each year AVA Resident Artists are presented in four or five fully staged opera productions accompanied by orchestra. Resident Artists are cast in leading roles that they will in all likelihood continue to perform for the rest of their careers. Learn more about AVA at avaopera.org.
Media Contact: Andrew Rohe
Marketing & PR Manager
Email: arohe@avaopera.org
Phone: 215-735-1685
Academy of Vocal Arts
1920 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103