The Moores Opera Center’s 2025-26 season features three productions. Pictured is the 2024 performance of “Little Women” from the center, which is part of the Moores School of Music.
The Moores Opera Center, part of the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, is proud to announce its 2025-26 season: a compelling lineup of three productions that explore powerful themes of love, loss and redemption through music that endures.
Under the artistic direction of Kathleen Belcher and music direction of Jorge Parodi, the Moores Opera Center continues to be a national leader in developing the next generation of opera talent while presenting ambitious and emotionally resonant performances to Houston audiences.
“This season is about transformation,” Belcher said. “We’re exploring the ways people evolve through love, heartbreak, and ultimately, the hope of redemption. These stories resonate deeply because they reflect our shared humanity.”
Opening in October, the season begins with the world premiere of “Hobson’s Choice” by award-winning American composer Tom Cipullo. Inspired by the classic British play, this witty and heartwarming opera tells the story of Maggie Hobson, a determined woman in turn-of-the-century Boston who defies her domineering father’s expectations to chart her own path.
“This season is about transformation. We’re exploring the ways people evolve through love, heartbreak, and ultimately, the hope of redemption. These stories resonate deeply because they reflect our shared humanity.”
— Kathleen Belcher, artistic director
Full of resilience, humor, and unexpected romance, “Hobson’s Choice” celebrates independence and the courage to fight for love. Sung in English, the production runs Oct. 23-26.
In February, the Opera Center presents Mozart’s beloved masterpiece, “The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte),” a fantastical tale of love, enlightenment and the triumph of good over evil. With enchanting arias, colorful characters and rich symbolism, this timeless work continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Sung in German with English dialogue, the production runs Feb. 5-8.
The season concludes in April with a special Carlisle Floyd centennial tribute featuring two of his one-act operas: “Slow Dusk” and “Markheim.” “Slow Dusk” is a lyrical, intimate portrayal of rural life and young love in the American South, while “Markheim” delves into a dark psychological journey of guilt and possible redemption, based on a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Together, the works highlight Floyd’s emotional depth and distinctive American voice. Floyd, who held the University of Houston School of Music’s M.D. Anderson Professorship from 1976 to 1996, is celebrated for his emotional depth and distinctive American voice. Performances will be held April 16-19.
“We’re also thrilled to present a world premiere by Tom Cipullo, whose music is as emotionally nuanced as it is dramatically engaging. And honoring Carlisle Floyd—a giant in American opera — on his 100th birthday with two of his most moving works is both a privilege and a joy,” Belcher said. “This season promises unforgettable performances for audiences and transformative experiences for our students.”
Performance Details
“Hobson’s Choice”
- Oct. 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.; and Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.
- Post-show reception on opening night, Oct. 23
- Pre-show talk on Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.
“The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)”
- Feb. 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m.; and Feb. 8 at 1 p.m.
- Post-show reception on opening night, Feb. 5
- Pre-show talk on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m.
“Slow Dusk” & “Markheim”
- April 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.; and April 19 at 2 p.m.
- Post-show reception on opening night, April 16
- Pre-show talk on April 19 at 1 p.m.
Tickets
- General public: $25
- Staff/faculty/alumni: $20
- Seniors and students: $20
Get tickets
Contact the KGMCA Box Office or purchase tickets online.