Mississippi Opera Tickets

Mississippi Opera is an opera company located in Jackson, Mississippi. Established in 1945 as the Jackson Opera Guild, it later became the Mississippi Opera Association and began staging productions in other cities across the state. The company performed its first professional production, Carmen by Georges Bizet, in 1973.

Classical opera is a form of music that originated in Italy during the 16th century. It is characterized by its use of elaborate vocal techniques, complex orchestration, and a focus on dramatic expression. Operas are typically divided into two main categories: serious operas, known as opera seria, and comic operas, or opera buffa. The genre has been popular around the world for centuries, with famous composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Wagner, and Giuseppe Verdi creating some of the most enduring works in the repertoire.

Mississippi Opera, while not exclusively focused on classical opera, has included many important works from this tradition in its performance history. Some examples include W.A. Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), Georges Bizet's Carmen, Giacomo Puccini's Madama Butterfly, and Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto, all of which have been part of the company's recent seasons.

However, Mississippi Opera also strives to present modern works and lesser-known pieces, often partnering with regional and national organizations to secure funding and talent. For example, in 2009, the company staged the American premiere of Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie, based on the book by Sister Helen Prejean. The production was widely acclaimed and helped introduce a new audience to contemporary opera.

In addition to producing complete operas, Mississippi Opera also regularly presents concerts and recitals featuring guest singers and local performers. These performances provide opportunities for soloists to showcase their talents and for audiences to familiarize themselves with a particular composer or period of music.

Overall, Mississippi Opera has played an important role in bringing the beauty and drama of opera to audiences in Mississippi and beyond. By presenting works from both classical and modern periods, and partnering with other organizations and artists, Mississippi Opera continues to be a vital presence not only in the state's artistic community, but also in the world of opera as a whole.