The Academy of Vocal Arts has announced its 2018-19 season featuring the vocal students and a number of repertory staples as well as recitals.

The season opens with the New Artist Recital accompanied by Music Director and Pianist José Meléndez.

Performance Dates: Sept.20 & 21, 2018

The Academy of Vocal Arts will host the Giargiari Bel Canto Competition at the Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center.

Performance Dates: Oct. 5, 2018

The first staged production of the season will be a double bill of Puccini’s “Le Villi” and “Suor Angelica” with the AVA Opera Orchestra conducted by Christofer Macatsoris and directed by David Gately.

Performance Dates: Nov. 3, 6, 8, 18, & 27, 2018

An evening of Russian Romances will showcase vocal artists alongside Music director and pianist Ghenady Meirson.

Performance Dates: Dec. 17 & 18, 2018

The second opera of the season will be Dvořák’s “Rusalka,” which will get its first-ever AVA performance. The production will be showcased with piano accompaniment with Music Director and pianist Luke Housner.

Performance Dates: Jan. 26-Feb. 2, 2019

A Winter Recital will showcase vocal students with a Music director and pianist to be announced.

Performance Dates: Feb. 12 & 14, 2019

Mozart’s “Così Fan Tutte” marks the third production of the seas with the AVA Opera Orchestra. A Conductor and Stage Director will be determined later on.

Performance Dates: March 2-12, 2019

David Antony Lofton will conduct “Jubilate!,” a Concert of Sacred Music with the AVA Opera Orchestra.

Performance Dates: March 16 & 17, 2019

In April, a Spring Recital will host vocal artists with a Music Director and pianist still to be determined.

Performance Dates: April 3 & 5, 2019

The final production of the year is Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” with a staging by Jeffrey Marc Buchman. The AVA Opera Orchestra accompanies.

Performance Dates: April 27, 30, May 2, & 7, 2019

The season ends with a Farewell Recital featuring Music Director and Pianist José Meléndez.

Performance Dates: May 10, 2019