FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mozart. Strauss. Bellini. Verdi. Legendary composers take center stage in AVA’s 91st season.
Philadelphia, PA – July 7, 2025 – Philadelphia’s prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) proudly announces its 2025-26 Opera Season, promising a year of vocal brilliance on a foundation of operatic classics. Established in 1934, AVA has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, nurturing world-class opera talent and captivating audiences with its exceptional productions and concerts.
This season opens with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s beloved comedy, Le nozze di Figaro, the story of the cunning barber as he attempts to marry his beloved Susanna, while outmaneuvering his patron who has his own designs on the bride-to-be. Le nozze di Figaro begins its run in Center City with AVA’s Opening Night Celebration on November 8, 2025, at AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater. The black-tie fundraiser kicks off at 5:00 PM with cocktails and dinner, followed by the opera and dessert. Suburban performances take place at Lehigh University on November 23, at The Haverford School on December 2, and at Delaware Valley University (date to be announced) offering audiences multiple locations to experience Mozart’s timeless score. This production marks a triumphant return to AVA for distinguished conductor Joseph Colaneri, who conducted last season’s critically applauded L’amico Fritz, while returning stage director Tara Faircloth brings the story of Figaro to life onstage.
Following in January 2026, AVA presents a piano production of Richard Strauss’ philosophical opus, Capriccio, under the music direction of AVA Master Vocal Coach Luke Housner and stage direction by Josh Miller. Countess Madeleine must answer a daunting question as she finds herself pursued by two competing suitors, one a composer and the other a poet: Which is the more beautiful art – music or poetry? Her search for an answer leads her on a journey through the meaning of art, love, and the human condition. This classic enchants audiences with four performances at AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater and runs January 17 to 25, 2026.
In February, Vincenzo Bellini’s political thriller, I Capuleti e i Montecchi, will be presented for the first time ever on the AVA stage and runs February 28 to March 7, 2026. Shakespeare’s immortal story of Romeo and Juliet is retold in the shadow of medieval Italy’s bloody political conflicts and personal betrayals. Bellini’s enchanting melodies are masterfully set against a plot of treachery and intrigue as the Capuleti and Montecchi families vie for dominance over Verona. Conductor Michelle Rofrano and stage director John de los Santos both make their AVA debuts.
Closing AVA’s 2025-26 Opera Season is Giuseppe Verdi’s comedic masterpiece, Falstaff, conducted by Steven White and directed by Chas Rader-Shieber, who both return after conducting and directing last season’s critically acclaimed production of Faust. Based on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor, at the heart of this opera is the lovable rogue, Sir John Falstaff, whose attempt to woo two married women for financial gain results in a riotous chain of mischief. This production opens on April 18, 2026, at AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater, with one suburban performance at The Haverford School’s Centennial Hall on May 5, ensuring accessibility for opera enthusiasts throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
Resident scenic designer Cameron Anderson returns to AVA for her second opera season of innovative set designs. Last season Cameron transformed AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater into a multilayered turn-of-the-century library full of fantastical surprises for Faust, a minimalist joyful landscape for Così fan tutte, and a meditative and romantic villa complete with cherry blossoms for L’amico Fritz. This season Cameron brings more of her adventurous creativity to AVA’s opera season.
“It is a pleasure to present such a strong lineup of classic operas this season,” said Scott Guzielek, AVA President and Artistic Director. “The repertoire, ranging from Mozart’s social comedy to the introspective and brooding works of Strauss and Bellini, and the grand finale from Verdi, promises to delight opera lovers and reaffirm AVA’s commitment to opera’s foundational repertoire. We look forward to welcoming back our loyal and dedicated audience for a remarkable season.”
AVA’s 2025-26 season also includes a rich array of concerts and recitals guaranteed to enchant fans of beautiful singing. The season’s first recital is the New Artist Recital on September 26, 2025, at Rittenhouse Square’s Church of the Holy Trinity. This recital welcomes AVA’s incoming class of 6 Resident Artists and provides an awe-inspiring setting 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.
The excitement continues with the annual Giargiari Bel Canto Competition on October 4, 2025, 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 15, 2026, 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. This heartfelt event serves as a poignant conclusion to their time at AVA, showcasing their personalities and artistry, while celebrating their growth and achievements in the world of music. Vocal Coach José Meléndez provides musical direction and accompanies the graduating class on piano.
Tickets and Subscriptions: Subscriptions and single tickets for AVA’s 2025-26 Opera Season are now available to the public for purchase. For more information, please visit AVA’s official website at avaopera.org or call 215-735-1685.
AVA’s 91st Opera Season Performance Dates:
New Artist Recital
September 26, 2025, 7:30 PM
The Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia
Giargiari Bel Canto Competition
October 4, 2025, 7:30 PM
Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Le nozze di Figaro
November 8, 2025, 5:00 PM (Opening Night Celebration)
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
November 11, 13 & 15, 2025, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
November 21, 2025
Delaware Valley University’s Life Sciences Building
November 23, 2025, 4:00 PM
Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center
*For tickets to this performance, please call 610-758-2728, ext. 0.
December 2, 2025, 7:30 PM
The Haverford School’s Centennial Hall
Capriccio
January 17, 20 & 22, 2026, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
January 25, 2026, 3:00 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
I Capuleti e i Montecchi
February 28, March 3, 5 & 7, 2026, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
Falstaff
April 18, 21, 23 & 25, 2026, 7:30 PM
AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater
May 5, 2026, 7:30 PM
The Haverford School’s Centennial Hall
Farewell Recital
May 15, 2026, 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