MARYLAND OPERA STUDIO PERFORMANCES
The Maryland Opera Studio is committed to providing all studio members with a wide variety of performance opportunities. Operas are chosen based on the needs and abilities of the second-year class and each member leaves having sung two full roles with orchestra.
This Season
New Work Reading
The Alchemists
February 13, 2026
By Christian De Gré Cárdenas & Joseph Reese Anderson. The Alchemists unites two legendary periods in the American story to unearth the struggles and triumphs of charging headlong into the unknown in search of glory.
Fall Opera
La finta giardiniera
November 15–19, 2025
Brimming with wit, charm and chaos, Mozart’s La finta giardiniera is an early gem from the composer’s repertoire that is a delight to see and hear.
Spring Opera
If I Were You
April 18–26, 2026
In this opera by Jake Heggie, the aimless young writer Fabian makes a deal with a shape-shifting demon who gives him the power to move his soul from person to person. Will he choose to live forever as someone else, or die for love as himself?
New Work Reading
New work has been a central part of the Maryland Opera Studio since its start in 1989. Since 2014, the studio has commissioned new operas to be written for the incoming class of first-year studio members. The libretto and music are workshopped in the fall semester with singers and creators working side-by-side. The spring semester begins with a semi-staged workshop performance of this commission, providing singers with unmatched experience and insight into premiering new work.
Fall Opera
The fall opera allows second-year students to build upon the acting classes and character work explored in the first year of study in the context of performing a full role with orchestra. This production uses minimal sets and costumes, focusing on the art at its most elemental—the singer, the story and the music.
Spring Opera
In their final semester, second-year studio members each perform a role in this fully produced opera with orchestra. This spring opera brings together all the skills students have gained during their time with the studio. First-year students are often cast in smaller roles and sing in the chorus. Working with designers from the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, this production provides a fully collaborative experience.
Past Productions
