EarRelevant Staff | 31 OCT 2024
Cincinnati, OH— The Cincinnati Opera has announced its lineup for its 2025 Summer Festival, marking the company’s 105th anniversary season with three major productions and the return of its artist-led Studio Sessions. The festival, running from June 12 through July 27, 2025, will take place at Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall.
The season will feature an all-new production of Fiddler on the Roof, joining Verdi’s Rigoletto and Puccini’s Tosca on the mainstage. The festival will also include Studio Sessions, a series of intimate, cabaret-style performances that aim to bring audiences closer to the artists. Cincinnati Opera’s Artistic Director Evans Mirageas emphasized the festival’s focus on connection and emotional depth, noting the resonance of themes explored in each work, from Fiddler’s celebration of tradition to Tosca’s passion and Rigoletto’s drama.
The festival opens with Verdi’s Rigoletto on June 12, with performances continuing on June 14. Directed by Tomer Zvulun, this new-to-Cincinnati production from The Atlanta Opera features baritone Michael Chioldi as Rigoletto, soprano Kathryn Lewek as Gilda, and tenor Zach Borichevsky as the Duke of Mantua. Conductor John Fiore will lead the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor Morris Robinson performing as the assassin Sparafucile.
The festival’s second offering, Tosca, will begin on June 26. This production, directed by Jose Maria Condemi, will see soprano Karah Son in the title role, with tenor Matthew White as Cavaradossi and baritone Anthony Clark Evans as Scarpia. Clelia Cafiero will make her U.S. conducting debut with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for this production.
Concluding the mainstage season is Fiddler on the Roof, scheduled to open July 23. Directed by Crystal Manich, the cast includes Max Hopp as Tevye and Victoria Livengood as Golde. With choreography by Michael Pappalardo and dancers from the Cincinnati Ballet, Fiddler on the Roof will feature scenic design by Andrew Boyce and costume design by Chad Phillips.
The festival will also include three Studio Sessions on June 17, July 10, and July 17, offering audiences a more intimate opera experience in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio. Complete casting and additional community programming will be announced in early 2025.
The full season of Mainstage Productions and Studio Sessions is listed below:
Cincinnati Opera: 2025 Summer Festival
Mainstage Series
- June 12 & 14, 2025 @ 7:30 p.m.
Giuseppe VERDI: Rigoletto
Music Hall, Springer Auditorium
John Fiore, conductor; Tomer Zvulun, director. Cast: Michael Chioldi (Rigoletto), Kathryn Lewek (Gilda), Zach Borichevsky (Duke of Mantua), Morris Robinson (Sparafucile). Creative: John Conklin, scenic designer; Vita Tzykun, costume designer; Thomas C. Hase, lighting designer; James Geier, hair and makeup designer. - June 26 & 28, 2025 @ 7:30 p.m.
Giacomo PUCCINI: Tosca
Music Hall, Springer Auditorium
Clelia Cafiero, conductor; Jose Maria Condemi, director. Cast: Karah Son (Tosca), Matthew White (Cavaradossi), Anthony Clark Evans (Scarpia). Creative: Robert Perdziola, scenic & costume designer; Thomas C. Hase, lighting designer; James Geier, hair & makeup designer. - July 23, 25 & 26, 2025 @ 7:30 p.m.
July 27, 2025 @ 3:00 p.m.
Jerry BOCK: Fiddler on the Roof
Music Hall, Springer Auditorium
Levi Hammer, conductor; Crystal Manich, director. Cast: Max Hopp (Tevye), Victoria Livengood (Golde), Rachel Kobernick (Tzeitel), Rachel Blaustein (Hodel), Jennifer Zetlan (Chava), Janice Mayerson (Yente), Simon Barrad (Perchik), Sarah Folsom (Fruma Sarah). Creative: Andrew Boyce, scenic designer; Chad Phillips, costume designer; Thomas C. Hase, lighting designer; James Geier, hair& makeup designer; Michael Pappalardo, choreographer.
Studio Sessions
- June 17, 2025 @ 8:00 p.m.
Music Hall, Wilks Studio
Artist-curated concert; specific artists and programming to be announced. - July 10, 2025 @ 8:00 p.m.
Music Hall, Wilks Studio
Artist-curated concert; specific artists and programming to be announced. - July 17, 2025 @ 8:00 p.m.
Music Hall, Wilks Studio
Artist-curated concert; specific artists and programming to be announced
Season subscriptions for Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival start at $105, with individual tickets available on April 1, 2025, beginning at $36. Discounts are offered for seniors, students, military personnel, and ArtsWave ArtsPass members. Further information can be found at cincinnatiopera.org or by contacting the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742. ■
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- Cincinnati Opera: cincinnatiopera.org
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