2025 in Review

Cincinnati Opera proudly welcomed audiences to a magical 2025 Summer Festival, filled with unforgettable music and moments. This season featured beloved classics like Rigoletto and Tosca, alongside a brand-new production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Beyond the stage, we were thrilled to present vibrant community events including Divas & Diamonds, Opera Goes to Church, Singers & Spirits, Studio Sessions, and Pride Night—each one celebrating the spirit and diversity of our city.

We are endlessly grateful to our audiences, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners for your unwavering support in promoting and preserving Cincinnati’s rich arts scene.

Enjoy this season recap—and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Music Hall in 2026!

Singers & Spirits

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals presented Singers & Spirits, pairing festive beverages and performances by Cincinnati Opera artists at local wineries and breweries.

Photos by Paige Pederzani

Divas & Diamonds

Opera divas and divos gathered at Ritcher & Phillips Jewelers to enjoy live operatic performances, delectable snacks, and drinks provided by local vendors.

Photos by Paige Pederzani

Opera goes to church!

Audiences experienced an eclectic mix of gospel, jazz, and classical music at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church and Zion Global Ministries.

Photos by Mikki Schaffner

Rigloletto

Our first production of the season, Verdi’s riveting Rigoletto captured the adoration of audience members.

Photos by Philip Groshong

Rigoletto – Michael Chioldi
Gilda – Kathryn Lewek
Duke of Mantua – Zach Borichevsky
Sparafucile – Morris Robinson
Maddalena – Tesia Kwarteng
Monterone – Donnie Ray Albert
Marullo – Thomas Dreeze
Matteo Borsa – Alexander Gushrowski
Giovanna – Kaylee Nichols
Countess Ceprano – Heidi Middendorf
Count Ceprano – Vernon Hartman
Duchess of Mantua – Kaylyn Taylor Baldwin
Usher – Seoyong Lee

Conductor – John Fiore
Original Stage Director – Tomer Zvulun
Revival Director – Elio Bucky
Scenic Designer – John Conklin
Costume Designer – Vita Tyzkun
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Wig & Makeup Designer – James Geier
Chorus Master – Henri Venanzi

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus

This production of Rigoletto is a co-production of Boston Lyric Opera, The Atlanta Opera, and Opera Omaha.

Tosca

Audiences were astonished by the production of Puccini’s Tosca.

Photos by Philip Groshong

Floria Tosca – Karah Son
Mario Cavaradossi – Matthew White
Baron Scarpia – Anthony Clark Evans
Cesare Angelotti – Justin Hopkins
Sacristan – Sam Smith
Spoletta – Julius Ahn
Sciarrone – Ryan Henry
Jailer – Cole Stephenson

Conductor – Clelia Cafiero
Stage Director – Jose Maria Condemi
Associate Director – Andrew Nienaber
Scenic & Costume Designer – Robert Perdziola
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Wig & Makeup Designer – James Geier
Chorus Master – Henri Venanzi

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus

pride night

Cincinnati Opera celebrated Pride with a fabulous and colorful fete in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio. Guests enjoyed drag performances, music, and a festive dance party.

Photos by Paige Pederzani

STUDIO SESSIONs

Stars from Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 season—Jacqueline Echols McCarley, Elliot Madore, and Jessica Rivera—enchanted audiences with bespoke recitals in the intimate setting of Music Hall’s Wilks Studio.

Photos by Philip Groshong and Mikki Schaffner

Fiddlr on the Roof

Patrons were moved and inspired by Cincinnati Opera’s brand-new production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Photos by Philip Groshong

Tevye – Max Hopp
Golde – Victoria Livengood
Tzeitel – Rachel Kobernick
Hodel – Rachel Blaustein
Chava – Jennifer Zetlan
Yente – Janice Meyerson
Shprintze – Elli Maddock
Bielke – Noa Jaffee
Motel – Arnold Livingston Geis
Perchik – Simon Barrad
Lazar Wolf – Phil Fiorini
Mordcha – Blake Gehring
Rabbi – Barry Mulholland
Mendel – Will Selnick
Avram – Thomas Dreeze
Constable – Jim Hopkins
Grandma Tzeitel – Wendy Hill
Fyedka – Henry Benson
Fruma Sarah – Sarah Folsom
The Fiddler – Charles Morey

Conductor – Levi Hammer
Stage Director – Crystal Manich
Choreographer – Michael Pappalardo
Scenic Designer – Andrew Boyce
Costume Designer – Chad Phillips
Lighting Designer – Thomas C. Hase
Sound Designer – David Bullard
Wig and Makeup Designer – James Geier
Chorus Master – Henri Venanzi
Stage Manager – Hannah Holthaus
Cultural Consultant – Rabbi Ken Kanter
Casting Consultant – D. Lynn Meyers

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, members of the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus

Media Stories

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