The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has announced its 2026 Festival Season, which will run between May 23 and June 28, 2026.

In a statement, General Director Andrew Jorgensen said, “We are proud to present a compelling 2026 Festival Season that continues to balance beloved classics with contemporary stories. While our 50th Anniversary Season in 2025 was a powerful milestone, the 2026 season feels equally significant as it launches Opera Theatre’s next 50 years. We remain deeply committed to serving the St. Louis community through vibrant, accessible storytelling, and we look forward to welcoming audiences and artists alike for another superb season. We are especially excited to begin this new era with the artistic leadership of Patricia Racette.”

The company will present the 2026 Spring Gala. The gala will be chaired by Penny Pennington, Managing Partner for Edward Jones and the annual event will raise funds in support of accessible arts experiences for all ages, living wages for artists in the OTSL community, and OTSL performances that consistently bring acclaim to St. Louis.

Performance Date: May 9, 2026

The first production of the season will be Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance.”

Performance Dates: May 23-June 27, 2026

The production of the season will be “The Light in the Piazza.” 

Performance Dates: May 30-June 28, 2026

Patricia Racette directs André Previn’s operatic adaptation of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Performance Dates: June 7-26, 2026

Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” will close out the season, featuring costumes of designer Robert Perdziola from the company’s 2005 production.

Performance Dates: June 13-27, 2026

The festival will also feature Center Stage, A Young Artist Showcase.

Performance Date: June 23, 2026