West Edge Opera announced its 2026 summer festival.

“Our 2026 festival celebrates the daring, diversity, and emotional depth that define West Edge Opera,” said Mark Streshinsky, General Director, per an official press release, “these works reflect our belief in the power of opera to speak through ages.”

There will be a special preview of the company’s newest commission “Claude & marcel” by Alyssa Weinberg and Stephanie Fleischmann.

Performance Date: August 23, 2026

The first opera of the season is “The Turn of the Screw” directed by Mark Streshinsky and conducted by Jonathan Khuner. The opera stars Laura Bohn, Alex Boyer, Erin Neff, and Alexa Sessler.

Performance Date: August 1 – 15, 2026

Händel’s “Rinaldo” will star Kyle Tingzon, Shawnette Sulker, Nikki Einfeld, Sara Couden, Gabi Esquenazi, and Efraín Solis. Emily Senturia conducts and Keturah Stickann directs.

Performance Date: August 2 – 15, 2026

Conductor Kedrick Armstrong and director Nataki Garrett will lead Damien Geter and Lila Palmer’s “American Apollo.”Inspired by Thomas Eugene McKeller, the Black model whose presence shaped the work of John Singer Sargent, the opera examines the imbalance between what history preserves and what it overlooks.

The cast features Markel Reed as Thomas Eugene McKeller, John Bellemer as John Singer Sargent, Marnie Breckenridge as Isabella Stewart Gardner, Alexandra Armantrading as Ida Mae McDonald, Matt Hidalgo as Nicola D’Inverno/Mr. Sparhawk, Leberta Lorál as Florence McKeller/Mrs. Smiths, Philip Harris as Willie McDonald, Wilford Kelly as Clarence/Emcee, Michael Belle as George, and Alex Taite as Walter.

Performance Date: August 8 – 16, 2026