The Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston's Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts is excited to announce its 2024-25 season, featuring four captivating performances. This marks the second season for Artistic Director Kathleen Belcher and the inaugural year for Maestro Jorge Parodi as Music Director of the Moores Opera Center. Audiences can look forward to a diverse array of operatic and musical theater experiences.
"This year's opera season is filled with stories about families," says Belcher. "Family relationships come in many forms. There is an unbreakable bond between sisters in 'Little Women.' Puccini's 'Suor Angelica' tells the story of unconditional love and unbreakable faith. 'Gianni Schicchi' takes a completely different view of how families can fight and get along but ultimately depicts a father's desire to make sure his daughter is happy. 'She Loves Me' tells the story of the family we choose—love and support among a group of co-workers. And lastly, 'Turandot' is the story of an ice princess who melts for an unknown prince. During this season of love, all adversity will be overcome!"
Belcher adds, "We are excited to welcome Jorge Parodi as our new music director this season. His expertise and vision will bring a fresh perspective to our productions, enriching the experience for our audiences. Just as this season's theme centers on stories about families, we're thrilled to include Parodi in ours. Our opera center thrives on collaboration and shared passion, and Jorge's addition enhances our creative community."
The season opens in October with "Little Women." Mark Adamo's poignant operatic adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel follows the March sisters as they navigate life, love, and loss. Sung in English with English and Spanish supertitles, this production brings the timeless tale to life with powerful music and heartfelt performances.
In January, audiences will enjoy a double bill of Puccini's "Suor Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi." "Suor Angelica" tells a moving story of a nun's sorrow and redemption, while "Gianni Schicchi" offers a comedic tale of trickery and inheritance. Sung in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles, these performances showcase Puccini's talent for expressing deep emotion and humor.
The lineup continues with "She Loves Me!" This musical comedy is set in a charming perfumery, where two salesclerks who struggle to get along at work are unaware that they are each other's anonymous romantic pen pals. As their true identities are revealed, the stage is set for a delightful exploration of love.
The season concludes with a gala concert performance of Puccini's "Turandot," presented in collaboration with the UH choirs and orchestra, featuring guest artists soprano Christine Goerke and tenor Limmie Pulliam. "Turandot" is a vivid fantasy of long-ago China, where the imperious Princess Turandot poses three riddles to any prince who dares to court her and commands the death of all who fail. When an unknown prince triumphs, the prospect of marriage strikes terror in Turandot's heart. Ever the gentleman, he offers her an out — but only if she can guess his name.
Performance Details
Little Women
- 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at Moores Opera House
- Post-show reception on opening night, Oct. 17
- Pre-show talk on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.
Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi
- 30, 31 and Feb. 1, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 2, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Moores Opera House
- Post-show reception on opening night, Jan. 30
- Pre-show talk on Feb. 2 at 1 p.m.
She Loves Me!
- April 10, 11 and 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. and April 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Moores Opera House
- Post-show reception on opening night, April 10
Turnadot
- April 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at Moores Opera House
Tickets
- General Public - $25
- Staff/Faculty/Alumni - $20
- Seniors and Students - $20
Contact the KGMCA Box Office at 713-743-3388 or purchase tickets online at: https://kgmcaboxofficemusic.universitytickets.com/
