Enjoy a dynamic blend of comedy, heart, and timeless music at Central City Opera's 2025 Festival. Rossini's The Barber of Seville brings rapid-fire wit and beloved melodies as the clever Figaro ensures love triumphs. The regional premiere of The Knock delivers a deeply moving portrait of military spouses' resilience during the Iraq War. And for a Broadway-style twist, Once Upon a Mattress enchants with its playful humor and larger-than-life characters. From opera's greatest hits to poignant new works and musical theater magic, this season promises unforgettable storytelling and spectacular singing in one of the nation's most treasured and intimate opera houses.

Schedule of Events:

09:30 am - 10:15 am: Opera Bus
11:30 am: Short Works
02:00 pm: The Knock

A patriotic opera of heartache and hope
The Knock delves into the resilience and bravery of military spouses facing the unknown. Set in the American suburbs during the Iraq War, this regional premiere captures the strength required to endure the wait for a dreaded knock at the door.

Aleksandra Vrebalov's music and Deborah Brevoort's libretto offer a poignant reflection on love, sacrifice, and the courage demanded by wartime life.

"The Knock tells, with notable care and nuance, a story not just set in America, but one that is singularly American." - Opera News

"The story is personal for me because I grew up in a family of WWII heroes… I wanted to share the public side of a hero's sacrifice, but I also wanted to share the rawness of personal loss." - Aleksandra Vrebalov

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