Detroit Opera 2023-2024 season features three Detroit debuts

The Detroit Opera’s 2023-2024 season has been announced. Under the leadership of President and CEO Wayne S. Brown, in his last season before retirement, and the direction of Artistic Director Yuval Sharon, this season’s lineup features a thrilling juxtaposition of classic and contemporary operas, exploring the themes of collision and collage as characters defy societal norms and expectations. In an exciting first, the 2023-24 season will feature four operas, three of which will be making their Detroit debut.

Kicking off the season on Oct. 7, Detroit Opera will transport Giacomo Puccini’s beloved “Madame Butterfly” into a fantastical contemporary setting, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless story of cultural clash. Among the season’s highlights is “Breaking the Waves,” a heart-wrenching opera inspired by the controversial Lars von Trier film, marking a significant milestone with a female composer, Missy Mazzoli, at the helm.

The Opera will also introduce the first concert in a new series, “Beyond the Pit,” which will showcase Detroit Opera’s orchestra and emerging singers from its Resident Artist Program performing in venues and locations outside the opera house. Additionally, the season will include Leoš Janáček’s “The Cunning Little Vixen,” a family-friendly and enchanting fable that will delight audiences with its transformative production.

One Detroit contributor Cecelia Sharpe of 90.9 WRCJ sits down with Detroit Opera Music Director Roberto Kalb to talk about the four upcoming operas slated for the 2023-24 season and the opera’s mission to be bold and innovative with the artform. Plus, Kalb talks about the importance of opera changing with the times and Detroit Opera’s efforts to champion diversity through its contemporary approaches.

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