Gabriella Reyes, Edward Nelson, Reginald Smith, Jr., Ryan McKinny to Headline Carlisle Floyd Centennial Concert
By David Salazar(Photo: Daniel Tchetchik)
The Carlisle Floyd Centennial (CF100) will mark a historic milestone with a special concert at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.
The event will celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary American composer, widely considered the “Father of American Opera.”
The performance will feature excerpts from “Susannah” alongside selections from “Cold Sassy Tree” and “Willie Stark,” among others.
The Centennial Celebration orchestra will be led by Christopher James Ray, Executive Director of CF100, with such soloists as soprano Gabriella Reyes, baritones Edward Nelson and Reginald Smith, Jr., and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny.
They will be joined by members of the Florida State University and University of Houston choirs.
Composer Jake Heggie will serve as emcee for the evening.
“We are thrilled to join hands with CF100 in celebrating Carlisle Floyd, who was not only a towering figure in American opera but also a cherished part of the Houston Grand Opera artistic leadership team for decades,” said HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor, per an official press release. “His influence on our company is profound—from the many world premieres he entrusted to us to his co-founding of our Butler Studio, where he mentored young artists until the very end of his life. It is a joy to see his legacy honored at Carnegie Hall for a truly remarkable evening of music.”
The Carlisle Floyd Centennial is being presented in partnership with Boosey & Hawkes, Houston Grand Opera, the South Caroliniana Library at the University of South Carolina, Florida State University, and the University of Houston.
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