The University of Houston's Moores School of Music proudly announces its 2026-27 opera season, featuring four compelling productions that span beloved musical theater, fairy-tale fantasy, Baroque drama and a 20th century operatic masterpiece.
Presented in the Moores Opera House, the season invites audiences to explore stories of redemption, courage, justice and the complex relationship between individuals and the communities that shape them.
“This season examines how people navigate the forces that define their lives,” said Kathleen Belcher, professor of practice in opera and artistic director of the Moores Opera Center. “These works invite us to look closely at the boundaries between the individual and society. Each opera presents characters searching for acceptance, justice, love or understanding while facing powerful forces beyond their control. Together, they remind us that opera's greatest stories are not simply about extraordinary people but about the communities that shape them and the choices that define our shared humanity.”
2026-27 Season Highlights
- Oct. 22-25, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel": A profoundly American meditation on love, violence, forgiveness, and the possibility of change. Beneath its unforgettable score lies a story of individuals struggling against cycles they cannot easily escape, raising enduring questions about redemption and the role communities play in both judgment and mercy.
- Feb. 4-7, Humperdinck's "Hänsel and Gretel": The story follows with a work that extends far beyond its fairy-tale origins. Through a story of resilience and transformation, this opera explores how young people confront fear, uncertainty and temptation while discovering courage within themselves. It is a timeless reminder that growth often requires venturing into the unknown and finding a way home.
- April 16 and 18, Handel's "Oreste": Presented in partnership with Ars Lyrica Houston, this work is inspired by ancient Greek mythology and examines the devastating consequences of violence, vengeance and inherited trauma. As its characters seek justice, forgiveness and healing, "Oreste" asks timeless questions about how societies break cycles of retribution and rebuild human connection.
- April 24, Britten's "Peter Grimes": The season concludes with a benefit concert performance. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest operas, "Peter Grimes" offers a powerful portrait of an individual struggling against suspicion, prejudice and social isolation. Anthony Dean Griffey, a four-time Grammy Award winning American tenor and pedagogue, and Latonia Moore, a three-time Grammy Award winning Houston native soprano, will join forces with the UH symphonies, choruses and student soloists for this special concert presentation. The collaboration will bring Britten's extraordinary score and compelling drama to life.
For ticket information and performance details, visit the Moores School of Music website or contact the University of Houston Box Office.
About the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts
The University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts is a premier institution for education, scholarship, and innovation in the arts, where every day we are cultivating the next generation of creative professionals and unlocking the potential of the arts to impact society and change the world. Our students are forging new frontiers and advancing the arts through academic excellence, innovative programming, and—together with our world-renowned faculty—ascending to the highest level of contemporary professional practice. Houston is a first choice for the arts. Houston is a city of culture and diversity, a quintessential arts destination, and a gateway to the international arts community. Steeped in the richness of diverse cultures, Houston and its engaging community network provide a citywide laboratory for research, education, and practice in the performing and visual arts.
About the Moores School of Music
Situated in one of the largest and most diverse cities in the nation, the Moores School of Music is dedicated to the success of its students and faculty through music education, performance and scholarship. Our mission is to make a positive impact through music; our values are based on respect for each other and a sincere desire to learn and grow with the members of our community. This incredibly rich learning environment, combined with our commitment to providing a complete and comprehensive music training experience, has led our graduates to extraordinary careers and it makes Moores the ideal destination for musical creativity and education. The University of Houston is a fully accredited institutional member of NASM and a member of the Texas Association of Music Schools.