The National Opera Association (NOA) will return to Boston, Massachusetts, for its 2026 National Conference, scheduled for Jan. 7–10, 2026.

The conference will carry the theme “Bold Voices, Boundless Futures” to coincide with the 30th anniversary of NOA’s Legacy Project.

“Bringing NOA’s 71st Annual National Conference to Boston as our nation marks its 250th anniversary offers a powerful moment to reflect on where we stand as a field and where we are determined to go. With Bold Voices, Boundless Futures, we honor the NOA’s 70 years of service and the 30th anniversary of The Legacy Project—an initiative that has helped elevate underrepresented voices across the operatic landscape—while engaging directly with the ideas shaping our shared future, from AI to trauma-informed and student-centered pedagogies. This conference calls on us to think broadly, create boldly, and connect deeply as scholars, artists, educators, and leaders working together to strengthen and expand the possibilities of opera,” said NOA President Isaí Jess Muñoz, per an official press release.

Conference highlights include the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to stage director Peter Sellars for his contributions to the modern operatic stage. The Lift Every Voice Legacy Award will also honor Denyce Graves, Cliff Jackson, and Dr. Gail Robinson-Oturu for their leadership in performance and training. Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Artistic Director of Boston Lyric Opera and co-founder of the Asian Opera Alliance, will serve as keynote speaker.

Also featured will be a public Legacy Concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Legacy Project, with performances by the American Spirituals Ensemble and guest artists.

There will also be a New Work Expo for composers and librettists, Voice and Opera Scenes Competitions for emerging artists, and the Chamber Opera Competition Finals. Three student productions from Boston Conservatory at Berklee will be presented, with one selected to receive full production support from NOA for a world premiere at the 2027 conference.

Read Related Stories

• The National Opera Association Announces Collaborations For its 70th National Conference

• Jake Heggie, Lori Laitman, Mark Campbell, Adolphus Hailstork, & Hilda Harris to Attend the National Opera Association’s 2024 Annual National Conference

• Joan Dornemann & Barbara Hill Moore to Be Honored at National Opera Association’s Annual Conference