Tickets are now on sale for Central City Opera’s 2026 Summer Festival — a season shaped by the convergence of 250 years of American independence, 150 years of Colorado statehood, and 70 years since The Ballad of Baby Doe‘s world premiere on our stage.
The festival runs June 27 through August 2 and features three diverse mainstage productions: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Douglas Moore and John Latouche’s The Ballad of Baby Doe, and Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play Master Class. The season also welcomes back CCO in Concert and introduces the new St. James Chamber Series.
Single tickets start at $34. Subscriptions, which include preferred seating, free exchanges, and savings of 20% or more, start at $51. Plus, enhance your experience with Festival Extras including Lunch & a Song, Short Works, and Backstage Magic.
Performances sell out, so book your tickets today!
The Marriage of Figaro
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
June 27 – August 2
When it premiered in 1786, The Marriage of Figaro scandalized the aristocracy in Vienna. Today, it is the gold standard of operatic comedy. Mozart’s masterpiece captures a single day of romantic chaos in a nobleman’s household, where disguises fail, servants outmaneuver masters, and the truth sneaks out at the worst possible moment. Baritone Andrew Wilkowske sings the title role opposite soprano Maureen McKay as Susanna, with baritone Luke Sutliff as Count Almaviva and soprano Erica Petrocelli as Countess Almaviva. Marcello Cormio conducts, with stage direction by David Radamés Toro.
The Ballad of Baby Doe
Music by Douglas Moore | Libretto by John Latouche
July 4 – August 1
Seventy years ago, The Ballad of Baby Doe received its world premiere at Central City Opera. This summer, the opera returns home in a new production that coincides with America’s semiquincentennial and Colorado’s sesquicentennial — three milestones converging on a single stage. Based on the true story of silver baron Horace Tabor and the young woman who scandalized Denver society to be with him, Baby Doe captures pioneering ambition, passionate love, and devotion that outlasted fortune itself. Legendary soprano and CCO alumna Cynthia Lawrence directs, with new scenic design by Lawrence E. Moten III and costumes by Lynly A. Saunders. Aaron Breid conducts a cast featuring bass-baritone Weston Hurt as Horace Tabor, soprano Emily Pulley as Augusta, and soprano Virginia Mims in her role debut as Baby Doe.
Master Class
By Terrence McNally
July 18 – July 31
A young singer steps onto the stage. Maria Callas tears her apart — then builds her back up, stronger. Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play, inspired by the master classes Callas taught at Juilliard in 1971 and 1972, is a searing yet funny exploration of artistic greatness, sacrifice, and why some voices stay with us forever. Henry Award-winner Jennifer DeDominici takes on the role of Callas, originated on Broadway by Zoe Caldwell and later portrayed by Patti LuPone and Faye Dunaway. Isaiah Feken appears as the Stagehand and Arthur Bosarge as Manny Weinstock. The production features live performances of arias from Tosca, Macbeth, and La sonnambula. Longtime CCO favorite Ken Cazan returns to direct this production. Due to extraordinary demand, a seventh performance has been added on July 31 at 7:30 PM, starring Marcia Ragonetti, acclaimed for her previous portrayals of Callas.
CCO in Concert
Conducted by Brandon Eldredge
July 10 & 11
The Central City Opera Orchestra takes center stage for two nights, joined by festival singers for an evening of favorite arias, duets, and overtures from across the operatic repertoire.
St. James Chamber Series (New for 2026!)
July 14, 21, 28
Three concerts performed by CCO Orchestra chamber musicians prior to select Tuesday matinees, offering a deeper connection to the season’s music in a historic landmark across the street from the Opera House.
Browse performances and buy tickets
Subscribe and save 20% or more!
Questions? Call 303-292-6700.