The Cincinnati Opera has announced its 100th anniversary season which will feature five operas.

Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” will open the season with Aaron Blake, Rodion Pogossov, and Isabel Leonard headlining the cast. Renato Balsadonna conducts.

Performance Dates: June 18 & 20, 2020

The season continues with the world premiere of “Fierce,” an opera by librettist Sheila Williams and composer William Menefield. The work will be directed by D. Lynn Meyers. The opera is done in collaboration with WordPlay Cincy, The Music Resource Center- Cincinnati, and i.imagine.

Performance Dates: June 24-28, 2020

Dvorak’s “Rusalka” appears with the company for the first time in its history. Kim-Lillian Strebel will star in the title role with conductor Daniela Candillari making her company debut.

Performance Dates: July 9 & 11, 2020

The company will feature the world premiere of librettist Tracy K. Smith and composer Gregory Spears’ “Castor and Patience.” The work will feature Latonia Moore, Kevin Short, and Frederick Ballentine, Jr. Kevin Newbury is set to direct.

Performance Dates: July 16-26, 2020

The season is set to draw to a close with a performance of Verdi’s “Aida” starring Mary Elizabeth Williams, Marco Berti, Reginald Smith, Jr, Ronnita Miller, and Morris Robinson. Christopher Allen conducts the production.