Subscriptions available for the 2017-2018 Season
Subscribers enjoy 15% off performances along with a host of other perks, including free parking, priority seating and more ticket benefits only available to you. Secure your subscription today.
Individual tickets will go on sale August 15.
2017-2018 Season Schedule
October 13 & 14, 2017 | 7:30 PM | DeVos Performance Hall
OPERA | CLASSIC | DRAMA | ITALIAN
Italian grand opera at its finest
Considered to be the birth of Italian grand opera and one of Verdi’s most memorable creations, Rigoletto is a heartrending journey of unrelenting force powered by one recognizable melody after another. The story, based on the controversial play by acclaimed French writer Victor Hugo, resonates with a universality frequently likened to Shakespeare. Fire is fought with fire in this rapidly unfolding drama between a conniving court jester, a promiscuous duke, and an innocent daughter caught in their feud. When the jester seeks revenge, who will have the last laugh?
January 15, 2018 | 7:30 PM | Fountain Street Church
SEMI-STAGED OPERA | UNBOUND | DRAMA | ENGLISH | FAMILY
A new rhythm and blues opera
The inspiring story of the famous preacher and iconic civil rights leader from Atlanta is brought to life in this deeply moving premiere performance that beautifully fuses opera with bluesy, jazzy, and gospel-tinged rhythms. In a stirring account of his most intimate moments shared with wife Coretta Scott King and close friend Ralph Abernathy, we discover that the themes of equality and justice from the Civil Rights Movement are echoed in our political sentiments today. Despite the well-chronicled tragedy that ended the preacher’s life 50 years ago, the audience is left beaming with the hope of his dream in their hearts.
April 15, 2018 | 7:00 PM | Betty Van Andel Opera Center
The Opera Grand Rapids’ Collegiate Vocal Competition provides an opportunity for West Michigan’s finest collegiate student vocalists to compete in a professional competition and to be recognized for their excellence. Students will have the opportunity to compete in one of two divisions for a chance to sing at the Final Round Concert, and to also receive cash prizes. The Final Round Concert on April 15 is open to the public.
May 4 & 5, 2018 | 7:30 PM | DeVos Performance Hall
OPERA | CLASSIC | COMEDY | ITALIAN
The quintessential comic opera
On June 2, 1967, West Michigan audiences were given their first opera. Now, 50 years and 128 operas later, Opera Grand Rapids returns to its beginnings with the same rousing, tuneful comedy.
Featuring Mozart at the height of his creative genius, in what many consider to be the greatest opera of all time, is a tangled tale of farce and folly ending, at last, in love. Below its madcap surface, an age-old wisdom is revealed: wealth and power are no match for ingenuity and authenticity. Musically sophisticated, yet catchy; screwball, yet poignant; this opera sparkles with genius from overture to finale.
May 18, 2018 | 5:30 PM
Opera Grand Rapids commemorates its 50th Anniversary with “America’s Got Talent” opera-crossover sensation Forte.
Join Opera Grand Rapids for a special celebration honoring 50 years of opera in West Michigan. Mingle with other arts advocates as you enjoy a captivating sit-down dinner theater experience that pays tribute to Opera Grand Rapids’ vital role in fostering our vibrant arts community. Proceeds from the event support Opera Grand Rapids’ productions and programs year-round.