Lyric Fest has reveal a lineup of concerts in the Philadelphia metro area and a revival performance of “Cotton” at New York’s 92nd Street Y.

Included in the program is a new commission from composer Benjamin P. Wenzelberg that explores Mexican song. Also on the schedule is a celebration of the renowned song composer Ned Rorem. Featured performers include Michelle Johnson, Kenneth Overton and Denyce Graves, among others.

Here’s what’s in store for opera-goers in Greater Philadelphia.

The season begins in October with “La Serenata – Songs and Serenades from Italy for Guitar & Voice.” Philadelphia guitarist Allen Krantz will be joined by soprano Jessica Beebe, tenor James Reese, and baritone Jean Bernard Cerin as they perform songs from Monteverdi, Caccini, Rossini, Bellini, Tosti, Puccini.

Performance Dates: Oct. 7, 2023, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Chapel; Oct. 8, at The Academy of Vocal Arts; and Oct. 10, at Community House of Moorestown.

Composer Ned Rorem, who died in 2022, shortly before his 100th birthday, will be honored with “Evidence of Things Not Seen.” The concert-length English-language song cycle is drawn from poets Penn, Whitman, and Hughes, as well as contemporary poets Mark Doty and Paul Monette. In sum, 24 poets are represented in the collection. Soprano Miriam Gordon-Stewart, mezzo-soprano Brenda Patterson, tenor William Ferguson, and baritone Randall Scarlata will be accompanied by pianist and co-Artistic Director Laura Ward.

Performance Date: Oct. 23, 2023, at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia

“Any of Those Decembers – A Winter Cantata” features the poetry of Jeanne Minahan, as set to music by composer Benjamin Perry Wenzelberg. The work’s themes are memories, winter’s tender moments, childhood, holidays, and reunions. Featured artists include soprano Rebecca Meyers, mezzo-soprano Devony Smith, tenor Steven Ng, and baritone Steven Eddy, along with the Daedalus Quartet, Ray Furuta, flute, and Laura Ward piano.

Performance Date: Dec. 16, 2023, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church; and Dec. 17, at The Academy of Vocal Arts.

Soprano Michelle Johnson and baritone Kenneth Overton will present operatic, classical, and popular love songs and duets in “L-O-V-E.” The concert features music by H. T. Burleigh, Gershwin, Joplin, Adela Nicolson, and more. Laura Ward will be the accompanist.

Performance Dates: Feb. 13, 2024, at Moorestown Community House; and Feb. 14, at Philadelphia Ethical Society

“Cotton,” a multimedia song cycle showcasing the talents of mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, baritone Justin Austin, and pianist Laura Ward will be revived at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. This unique work was composed by Damien Geter and inspired by the fine art photos and story of John Dowell. In February 2022, the premieres of the concert in Philadelphia and at the Kennedy Center were sold out. Lyric Fest will arrange a special shuttle transport for those eager to immerse themselves in the “Cotton” experience.

Performance Date: Apr. 18, 2024, at the 92nd Street Y, New York City

The season ends with a celebration of Mexican song. “Canción – Mexican Classical and Ranchera Song with Piano and Mariachi” features soprano Cecilia Violetta López, baritone Levi Hernandez, and Laura Ward on piano. The concert will be presented in two halves; the first showcase Mexican classical art songs, and the second will feature a mariachi band performing folkloric songs of Mexico in the style of Ranchera.

Performance Dates: May 17, 2023 (for students of Esperanza Academy); May 18, at Teatro Esperanza; and May 19, at The Academy of Vocal Arts