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2025 Summer Festival

Rigoletto

Opening the 2025 Summer Festival is Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto. Set in a corrupt 16th-century court, the opera follows the tragic story of the jester Rigoletto, whose attempt to protect his daughter, Gilda, from the immoral Duke of Mantua spirals into a harrowing tale of betrayal and revenge. Known for its riveting drama and unforgettable music including the iconic aria “La donna è mobile,” Rigoletto reminds us that fate cannot be fooled.

Singing the title role is baritone Michael Chioldi, who enjoyed recent successes as Rigoletto at The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, and Austin Opera; said Broadway World, “Not only does he give us every note in his beautiful baritone, he makes us feel his love, anger, pain, and grief at every moment.” His daughter, Gilda, will be sung by soprano Kathryn Lewek, of whom the New York Times said, “Singing like Lewek’s is what the magic of opera is all about.” Appearing as the Duke of Mantua is Zach Borichevsky, who was praised as possessing a “tenor [with] a magical brilliance that brought goosebumps” (Music City Review). As the assassin Sparafucile, Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor Morris Robinson brings his “booming, focused bass” that lends “chilling effectiveness” (ArtsATL) to the role.

This new-to-Cincinnati production from The Atlanta Opera, originally directed by Tomer Zvulun, features scenic design by John Conklin, costume design by Vita Tzykun, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, and hair and makeup design by James Geier. John Fiore will conduct the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Henri Venanzi will lead the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

Tosca

Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa

Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Springer Auditorium | Cincinnati Music Hall
Sung in Italian with projected English translation

The season continues with Puccini’s glorious ode to undying love, Tosca. Floria Tosca, a passionate singer, is caught in a dangerous triangle between her lover, the artist Cavaradossi, and the villainous police chief, Scarpia. As tensions escalate, Tosca must confront her deepest fears and make an agonizing choice to save the man she loves. With its gripping drama and stirring music, Tosca remains one of opera’s most compelling works.

Following her extraordinary company debut as Cio-Cio-San in Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 production of Madame Butterfly, soprano Karah Son returns to Music Hall to sing Tosca; The Guardian (U.K.) has lauded her Tosca as “forceful and convincing … Son brings a potent dignity and sense of agency to the role.” Matthew White returns to Cincinnati Opera with his “elegant tenor capable of exciting high notes” (Cincinnati Business Courier) in his role debut as Cavaradossi. Appearing as Scarpia is baritone Anthony Clark Evans, who most recently moved Cincinnati audiences with his affecting portrayal of Germont in the company’s 2024 production of La Traviata.

Cincinnati Opera will revive its celebrated production of Tosca featuring stage direction by Jose Maria Condemi, scenic and costume design by Robert Perdziola, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, and hair and makeup design by James Geier. Conductor Clelia Cafiero makes her U.S. debut leading the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Henri Venanzi directs the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

Fiddler on the Roof

Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
Music by Jerry Bock | Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick | Book by Joseph Stein
Produced on the New York stage by Harold Prince
Original New York stage production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 25, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 3 p.m.
Springer Auditorium | Cincinnati Music Hall
Sung in English with projected lyrics

Winner of nine Tony Awards, Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of Tevye, a milkman in a small Russian village, who struggles to uphold his family’s traditions in a rapidly changing world. As his daughters grow up and challenge age-old customs, Tevye must navigate the tension between honoring the past and embracing the future. Through its exploration of love, tradition, and resilience, Fiddler on the Roof captures the universal struggle of families facing change.

“Fiddler on the Roof has been a global sensation since its Broadway premiere in 1964,” said Evans Mirageas. “We believe this piece is perfectly suited for the operatic stage. With its sweeping symphonic score, richly crafted roles, and emotional depth, it’s a natural fit for the talents of our extraordinary cast, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera Chorus, and Cincinnati Ballet. Our production will give this classic new life, celebrating its vibrancy and universality.”

Max Hopp will make his U.S. debut as Tevye, a role he has performed to acclaim in Europe; said the New York Times of his portrayal, “Max Hopp carried most of the evening. … [His] performance peeled back the character’s many layers and identities—Everyman, fool, pious Jew, paterfamilias—without ever reducing him to a single one.” With “singing and acting [that] radiate intensity” (Opera News), GRAMMY Award-winning mezzo-soprano Victoria Livengood makes her company debut as Golde, Tevye’s wife. Their daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, will be sung by sopranos Rachel Kobernick, Rachel Blaustein, and Jennifer Zetlan. The cast also includes mezzo-soprano Janice Mayerson as Yente, baritone Simon Barrad as Perchik, and vocalist Sarah Folsom as Fruma Sarah.

Cincinnati Opera’s new production will be directed by Crystal Manich and will feature scenic design by Andrew Boyce, costume design by Chad Phillips, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, hair and makeup design by James Geier, and choreography by Michael Pappalardo, featuring dancers from Cincinnati Ballet. Levi Hammer will conduct the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Henri Venanzi will lead the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Studio Sessions

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Wilks Studio | Cincinnati Music Hall

Casts, Community Programs, and Tickets

About Cincinnati Opera

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera receives funding from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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