Opera isn't just about beautiful music, it's about unforgettable stories, breathtaking performances, and experiences that stay with you long after the curtain falls. And this season, OperaDelaware is inviting audiences to experience opera in exciting new ways. One of the oldest professional opera companies in the United States, OperaDelaware has announced an ambitious 2026–2027 season that blends timeless classics with innovative productions, intimate performances, and community-centered experiences throughout Wilmington.
Whether you're a lifelong opera enthusiast or considering your first performance, there's never been a better time to discover everything OperaDelaware has to offer.
OperaDelaware
- 4 South Poplar St.
OperaDelaware is a professional non-profit opera company with a reputation for excellence in both opera and arts education. OD presents both grand opera productions and intimate opera concerts…
Grand Stories Take Center Stage
The season opens with one of opera's most beloved masterpieces: Mozart's Don Giovanni.
Performed at the historic Grand Opera House on October 16 and 18, 2026, this thrilling production combines comedy, supernatural suspense, and moral drama into one unforgettable evening. Directed by Haley Stamats, who returns following acclaimed productions of La bohème and Tosca, Don Giovanni tells the legendary story of a charismatic rogue whose lifetime of deception finally catches up with him.
In spring 2027, audiences can experience another classic as Gluck's Orpheus and Eurydice arrives at The Grand on May 21 and 23. Created in partnership with First State Ballet Theatre, this production combines opera and dance to retell one of mythology's greatest love stories. With stunning choreography, emotional music, and a timeless tale of love and sacrifice, it's sure to be one of the season's highlights.
Get Closer to the Music
For those who love intimate performances, OperaDelaware Studios will once again host a remarkable Chamber Series that brings audiences closer to the artists than ever before.
Highlights include:
- Don Giovanni Portraits (October 2026), an intimate preview of Mozart's masterpiece before it reaches The Grand.
- Fernanda (November 2026), OperaDelaware's first-ever presentation of Spanish zarzuela, produced in partnership with Opera Hispanica.
- Written in Secret (January 2027), featuring two powerful psychological monodramas performed by a single tenor.
- Le Villi (March 2027), offering audiences the rare opportunity to hear Giacomo Puccini's very first opera.
- Orpheus Retold (April 2027), a collection of contemporary one-act operas that reimagine the classic myth through fresh perspectives from living composers.
These smaller productions allow audiences to experience opera in a uniquely personal setting while discovering works that are rarely performed elsewhere.
A Community Performance with Heart
One of the most meaningful additions to this season is Amahl and the Night Visitors, presented at the Sunday Breakfast Mission in December.
Rather than a traditional theater setting, this beloved holiday opera will be performed inside one of Wilmington's most impactful nonprofit organizations. The modern retelling emphasizes themes of hope, generosity, and compassion while strengthening OperaDelaware's commitment to serving the community beyond the stage. It's an example of how opera can connect with audiences in powerful and unexpected ways, reaffirming OperaDelaware's commitment to making the arts welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all.
A New Vision for OperaDelaware
The 2026–2027 season also marks the beginning of a new chapter for OperaDelaware under incoming General Director Eric Einhorn. His inaugural season embraces both tradition and innovation, combining internationally recognized masterpieces with contemporary storytelling, community partnerships, and immersive performance experiences designed to make opera more accessible than ever. Visitors will also notice collaborations with local arts organizations and nonprofits that celebrate Wilmington's vibrant cultural community while expanding where—and how—opera can be experienced.
Plan Your Opera Getaway
A performance at OperaDelaware pairs perfectly with a weekend exploring Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley. Before the show, enjoy dinner at one of downtown Wilmington's acclaimed restaurants. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby museums, boutiques, or the Wilmington Riverfront before taking your seat at The Grand Opera House or OperaDelaware Studios. Whether you're visiting for a grand production or an intimate chamber performance, OperaDelaware offers another reason to experience Wilmington's thriving arts scene.
Discover One of Wilmington's Cultural Treasures
OperaDelaware has long been recognized as one of the region's premier performing arts organizations. After recently hosting the 2026 OPERA America Conference, becoming the smallest company by budget ever to do so, it continues to earn national recognition while remaining deeply rooted in the Wilmington community. From Mozart and Puccini to world premieres and innovative community productions, the 2026–2027 season promises something for every kind of arts lover.
So, if you're a devoted opera fan or simply looking for a memorable night out, consider making Wilmington your next cultural destination and let OperaDelaware provide the soundtrack.