The Cincinnati Opera has announced its 99^th season featuring five productions including a world premiere and numerous top stars for the opera world. The season will also include numerous a number of concerts and programs.

Here is a look at what to expect.

Productions  

The season opens with Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” in a production by Stephen Lawless. Soprano Susanna Phillips will appear as the Countess alongside Janai Brugger in her company debut. Baritone Joseph Lattanzi sings the Count, while bass-baritone Christian Pursell sings Figaro. The cast is rounded out by mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb as Cherubino.

Performance Dates: June 13 & 15, 2019

The season follows with the world premiere of Scott Davenport Richards and David Cote’s new opera “Blind Justice.” The work marks the third installment and the first commission from Cincinnati Opera’s latest initiative, CO Next: Diverse Voices, designed to shine a spotlight on diverse stories and artists.

Performance Date: June 14-19, 2019

Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” is set to star Nicole Cabell and Frédéric Antoun as the star-crossed lovers. Hadleigh Adams rounds out the cast with Ramón Tebar conducting.

Performance Dates: June 27 & 29, 2019

Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos” gets a new production with Soprano Twyla Robinson in the title role with Kyle van Schoonhaven and Olivia Vote. Jun Märkl conducts.

Performance Dates: July 5-13, 2019

Francesca Zambello’s production of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” makes its debut with the company starring Talise Trevigne, Morris Robinson, Janai Brugger, Nmon Ford, Frederick Ballentine, Jr., and Indra Thomas. Maestro David Charles Abell conducts the work.

Performance Dates: July 20-28, 2019

Special Performances and Events 

The company will kick off the season with Opera in the Park, a free concert in Washington Park featuring opera and musical theater favorites performed by stars from the 2019 season, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

Performance Date: June 9, 2019

The 2018-2019 season will also include Cincinnati Opera’s signature programs, including Back to the Zoo, performances by The Opera Express, Opera Goes to Church, and Opera Goes to Temple.