This year’s “Concert of Arias” at the Houston Grand Opera will feature a historic first.

The event, scheduled for Jan. 17, 2025, will feature the first time that the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra performs in the event in its 37-year history. James Gaffigan will conduct the performance. Previous editions only featured a piano accompaniment.

“The ‘Concert of Arias’ is a rare opportunity to learn repertoire at the very last minute, as the competition progresses,” Gaffigan said per an official press release. “The orchestra and I will learn which arias/excerpts will be performed only days before the concert. It’s an exciting event spearheaded by a truly forward-thinking company. Many talented young singers get to work with pianists in recital and audition situations, but rarely a professional orchestra. It will be an exciting experience for the competitors, orchestra musicians, judges and public alike.”

The Concert of Arias is the final round in the Eleanor McCollum Competition, which spotlights talented young artists following an extensive international search.

The performance kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Cullen Theatre.