Opera Parallèle has announced its 2026–27 season featuring three productions.

“Opera Parallèle was founded on the belief that opera can illuminate the complexity of contemporary life while creating transformative artistic experiences,” said Opera Parallèle Founder and Artistic Director Nicole Paiement. “This new 2026-27 season reflects that mission in three very different but equally compelling works that speak to identity, resilience, spirituality, and the enduring power of human connection. We are honored to lift up these stories and showcase the extraordinary talent of these composers and librettists.”

 The company’s 17th anniversary will open with the world premiere of “Salt & Spirit,” which was developed and performed by tenor Victor Ryan Robertson and arranger/pianist Adrianne Duncan, in collaboration with Opera Parallèle Creative Director Brian Staufenbiel.

Performance Dates: Nov. 14–21, 2026

Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s “The Diving Bell and The Butterfly” will make its West Coast debut featuring a newly created chamber orchestration by Ben Foskett, commissioned by Opera Parallèle. Opera Parallèle’s award-winning Nicole Paiement will be on the podium and highly praised Brian Staufenbiel will direct this new production. 

Performance Dates: March 11–14, 2027

Indian American composer Kamala Sankaram and librettist Jerre Dye’s chamber opera “Taking Up Serpents,” will have its West Coast debut with Nicole Paiement conducting the orchestra and singers in a new production created and directed by Brian Staufenbiel.

 Performance Dates: March 2027