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Meet our new General Director and CEO, Cecilia Violetta López, in an intimate autobiographical recital tracing her journey from working the Idaho fields with her mother to acclaimed international stages through a poignant blend of mariachi songs, traditional Mexican music, and operatic arias! Join us for our 27th season opener, celebrating heritage, resilience, and the transformative power of music.
As I step into my first season as General Director and CEO, I’m thrilled to invite you on a journey of bold storytelling, timeless music, and unforgettable performances. From Mozart’s beloved Le Nozze di Figaro to the emotional intensity of I Pagliacci—starring acclaimed tenor Ben Gulley—this season celebrates opera’s power to move, connect, and inspire.
We’re also spreading holiday cheer with a joyful double bill: Amahl and the Night Visitors and the playful Four Lost Santas. Every production, concert and event this season reflects the beauty, diversity, and vitality of the world around us.
Join us for a season full of possibility, passion, and the magic of live opera. The future of Opera Las Vegas begins now—and we’re so glad you’re part of it.
Cecilia Violetta López General Director & CEO of Opera Las Vegas
Las Vegas Philharmonic
Continuing partnership and collaboration
Opera Las Vegas is pleased to continue its partnership with the Las Vegas Philharmonic during the 2025-2026 season.
Las Vegas audiences will be able to hear the incredible musicians from the Philharmonic performing this season in the pit for several of OLV’s productions.
We look forward to welcoming audiences to these performances and encourage everyone to also attend the full season of the Philharmonic.
The Opera Las Vegas Youth Chorus was founded in 2017 in collaboration with Thurman White Academy under the direction of Athena Mertes, and made their first appearances in the touring fairy tale opera, John Davies' Pinocchio.
In the fall of that year, they were the animals on the ark in Benjamin Britten's Noah's Flood, with full orchestra. Since then, more fairy tale opera tours ensued to entertain young families with opera-inspired stories like Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Bremen Town Musicians. The group twice participated in Humperdinck's classic, Hansel and Gretel, and were on stage with Metropolitan Opera stars in 2022 Main Stage production of Puccini's Tosca.
Opera Las Vegas is committed to equity and diversity.
Jonathan Baltera Named Chorusmaster of Opera Las Vegas
Jonathan Baltera has been newly named Chorus Master for Opera Las Vegas and is the Founder and Artistic Director of Battle Born Chorale, a semi-professional chamber choir based in Las Vegas known for its precision, expressive depth, and adventurous a cappella programming. He is the Director of Choirs at Sierra Vista High School, where he leads award-winning ensembles and teaches advanced music courses. Under his direction, the Vista Choirs have earned consistent Superior ratings, premiered new choral works, and performed innovative repertoire from around the world. Upcoming engagements include a tour to New York City, featuring performances at Carnegie Hall under the baton of acclaimed composer Eric Whitacre and a special appearance at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
As a baritone soloist, Baltera has appeared with the Oregon Symphony and the Stuttgart University Orchestra in major concert works including Carmina Burana, Elijah, St. Matthew Passion, and Mozart’s Requiem, as well as operatic roles in Falstaff, Le Nozze di Figaro, and Ariadne auf Naxos. He holds a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Choral Music Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with emphases in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance, from Oregon State University.
Accomplished Soprano Cecilia Violetta López Named General Director and CEO of Opera Las Vegas
Opera Las Vegas is thrilled to announce that it has appointed acclaimed Mexican-American soprano Cecilia Violetta López as its new General Director and CEO, effective July 1, 2025.
López, who began her professional career with the company in 2012, returns as only the fifth person to hold this leadership role in OLV’s 27-year history. Recognized as one of “Idaho’s Top 10 Most Influential Women of the Century” by USA Today and named one of Opera News' “25 Rising Stars,” she brings a wealth of experience as both a performer and arts leader. She will oversee fundraising, business strategy, and artistic planning while continuing her international singing career. López is stepping down from her role as Opera Idaho’s first Artistic Advisor, and outgoing OLV General Director Jim Sohre will transition to Artistic Director. A UNLV alumna and longtime Las Vegas resident, López described the appointment as a “full circle moment,” reflecting on her journey from Idaho beet fields to international opera stages.
“My life is comprised of a collection of full circle moments,” said Cecilia Violetta López, “and this new chapter of my career is another. I have remained active and connected with the Opera Las Vegas family. Knowing where I started, farming alongside my mother in the beet fields of Southern Idaho, to my studies at UNLV, to the many stages where I’ve taken some of the most gratifying bows, it’s humbling to know I’ll be following in the founders’ footsteps. It’s a privilege to expand upon the existing Opera Las Vegas legacy.”
"Mi vida está compuesta por una colección de momentos que completan un círculo”, dijo Cecilia Violetta López, “y este nuevo capítulo de mi carrera es un momento más. Me he mantenido activa y conectada con la compañia Ópera Las Vegas desde que debuté con ella en el 2012. Sabiendo de dónde vengo, cómo empecé, trabajando con mi mamá en los campos de betabel en el sur de Idaho, a mis estudios en la Universidad de Nevada Las Vegas, y los muchos escenarios historicos en los cuales me he presentado, me enorgullese y, a la misma vez, me llena de humildad al saber que voy a seguir los pasos de los fundadores de la compañia que también eran cantantes de ópera. Para mi, es un gran privilegio poder continuar con el legado de Ópera Las Vegas."
Announcing the Christopher and Anita Murray Opera Las Vegas Studio
Opera Las Vegas announces the establishment of the Christopher and Anita Murray Opera Las Vegas Studio at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with the start of its 2024-2025 Twenty-sixth Anniversary season.
Christopher and Anita Murray
Claudia Affan
Christian Shelton
The two premiere Studio Artists in this prestigious new initiative are soprano Claudia Affan and tenor Christian Shelton.
Claudia Affan is pursuing a Master of Music in vocal performance at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She holds her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Auburn University, where she studied with Dr. Matthew Hoch. Her operatic roles include Jenny Slade in Roman Fever, The Daughter in Strawberry Fields, Madame Herz in Der Schauspieldirektor, Violetta in La traviata, and Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, among many others. Ms. Affan has received awards at the state, regional, and national level from the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the Vann Vocal Institute, the Musical Teachers National Association, and Alabama Federation of Music Clubs. She studies voice with Dr. Linda Lister. She notes that she is “very excited and thrilled to be selected for this landmark new training opportunity with a professional opera company.”
Christian Shelton begins graduate school this semester at UNLV and is dedicated to his studies in Vocal Performance under the guidance of Dr. Alfonse Anderson. His recent achievements include clinching 1st place at the prestigious National Classical Singer competition in 2023 within the Classical University Division. In the same year, he secured the top spot at the local NATS competition, and his success continued into 2024 with another 1st place showing at the Regional NATS competition. Christian just returned from the prestigious training program, American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, where he was honored by being selected as one of only eight finalists in the annual Meistersinger Vocal Competition. Christian enthuses that his “passion for vocal excellence and success underscores his commitment to musical excellence.”
General Director Jim Sohre lauds Christopher and Anita Murray, longtime OLV Trustees for their visionary support: “We are so grateful to the Murrays for underwriting this vital new program, one that will not only greatly enhance our mission for making opera accessible to a diverse demographic, but will also serve as an important collaboration with the award-winning Opera and Voice program at UNLV.” Dr. Linda Lister, UNLV Opera Program Director will serve as liaison and advisor.
Claudia Affan and Christian Shelton will make their Studio Artist debuts at Opera Las Vegas’ season opener on 10 September, the mini-gala Opera Uncorked at Monzú Italian Oven + Bar. Joined by nationally known baritone Brian James Myer and collaborative pianist Deborah Gordillo, Opera Uncorked features drinking songs and party scenes from opera and operetta, Broadway shows, and the pop music canon. Tickets are available at: www.operalasvegas.com
Throughout the season, the pair will appear singly and together in home hosted friend- and fund-raising events; thematic concerts including Voices Raised for Vets, Holiday on Broadway, Opera Legends in Black, and Viva Verdi!;The Barber of Seville; and the spring tour of the young family friendly opera, John Davies’ Pinocchio. As part of theirtraining as Studio Artists, they will receive professional vocal coaching, repertoire development, and high profile performance opportunities throughout the Valley at such renowned venues as Myron’s at The Smith Center.
Sohre added: “We are very excited to welcome two such outstanding performers to the OLV roster as the founding members of the Christopher and Anita Murray Opera Las Vegas Studio at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. They are certain to add memorable moments to our Twenty-sixth Anniversary schedule, A Season of Smiles.”
2024-25 Season Announcement
Opera Las Vegas announces its 2024-2025 Twenty-sixth Anniversary schedule, billed as a Season of Smiles.
General Director Jim Sohre says: “Given the occasional turbulence of the times, we figured everyone would welcome a good laugh, and with a slate of comic operas and uplifting events, we hope to play a part in filling that need. Spoiler Alert: Atypically for an opera season, no one dies!”
The joyous singing begins on 10 September with Opera Uncorked, a themed concert with dinner at Monzú Italian Oven + Bar, featuring the inaugural Studio Artists of the Christopher and Anita Murray Opera Las Vegas Studio at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The first staged production of the season is the World Premiere of Conrad Cummings and Mark Campbell’s new comic one act opera, Again and Again and Again. Based loosely on Corneille’s L’Illusion Comique, this wacked-out tale follows an old Frenchman who employs a sorceress to track down his estranged son, who keeps reincarnating across centuries. Performances are at The Space on 11, 12, and 13 October.
Two of OLV’s most popular free annual events make a welcome return: Voices Raised for Vets, a staged concert honoring those who served and those who serve, is at the West Las Vegas Library on 10 November; and Holiday on Broadway, featuring holiday and seasonal tunes from the Great White Way is at the Windmill Library on 14 December.
The new year brings another once-each-season treat, Opera Legends in Black, a tribute concert honoring the accomplishments of African American singers and composers with vocal selections and narration of their compelling personal journeys to greatness in spite of societal challenges. The free performance opens on the eve of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, 17 January 2025 at Whitney Library.
One of the world’s favorite comedies, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville will take the stage of the Horn Theatre at the College of Southern Nevada for two performances only, on 21 and 23 February 2025, updated to a merry Hollywood milieu, where Figaro is hairdresser to the stars. The Horn is also host to the second annual Celebración Latina on 16 March featuring CSN’s award-winning Mariachi Plata, zarzuela (Spanish operetta), and tributes to world- famous Hispanic opera stars.
Opera Las Vegas will return to Myron’s at The Smith Center for the seventh time for a healthy dose of the classics when Viva Verdi! is presented on 6 April 2025. Expect to hear full throated solos and ensembles from such acclaimed scores as Rigoletto, La traviata, Il trovatore, and other masterworks, while enjoying the classy supper club atmosphere of the intimate Art Deco venue.
May 2025 will bring the annual young family friendly tour of the fairy tale “opera,” Pinocchio, as adapted by John Davies from music of Offenbach, Mozart, Donizetti, Pergolesi, and yes, even Verdi. Up to six performances are being finalized at diverse demographics in the city.
For a grand finale, Opera Las Vegas will collaborate for the first time with L.A.’s Pacific Opera Project with its first ever presentation of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, H.M.S. Pinafore. This rollicking G&S staple will be on stage at the Judy Bayley Theatre, University of Nevada, Las Vegas for two outings on 6 and 8 June 2025. With this tuneful and varied Season of Smiles, Opera Las Vegas aspires to bring a smile to your face, a spring to your step, and a song to your heart.
Opera Las Vegas receives glowing review from Operawire for world premiere of Behold the Man
“'Behold the Man' is an engaging opera. It outlines the ever-developing story of Borja’s near fall and eventual rise to fame with a rare combination of excitement and forgiveness. Along with an easy-to-follow synopsis, Cecilia Giménez is a relatable lead character and her heart of gold makes for an interesting character development that supports a comic opera’s happy ending. What often happens in new operatic works is the temptation to overemphasize a story in order to prove a point instead of letting it be more open to interpretation. This is where 'Behold the Man' excels. It does not push. In fact, what Paul Fowler and Andrew Flack emphasize the most is the innocent simplicity of humanity – the essence of human will.
In addition to focusing on a good story, Fowler and Flack chose Opera Las Vegas for their world premiere. This is also a very good thing. Vegas itself is a small city full of lights and entertainment that knows how to capture its audiences. General director Jim Sohre welcomed the audience and described how delighted he was to feature 'Behold the Man' as its 25th season opener. Audience members were all smiles as he spoke because he could not stop smiling. There was definitely something special in the air. Music director and principal conductor Joshua Horsch led the members of Las Vegas’ Philharmonic, chorus and youth chorus. His energy and attention to Paul Fowler’s musical references were spot on from the start."
