Thomas Hampson, Renée Fleming, Joyce DiDonato, Anthony Roth Costanzo Headline Aspen Music Festival 2026
By Afton Markay(Photo credits: chrissinger, Eccles, Gonz, Placek)
The Aspen Music Festival and School announces its 2026 season.
This article only features opera-related events.
Thomas Hampson and pianist Myra Huang give a recital. The program will be announced in April.
Performance Date: July 2, 2026
Key’mon W. Murrah solos in Jake Heggie’s “Earth 2.0” (AMFS co-commission). James Gaffigan conducts the Aspen Chamber Symphony.
Performance Date: July 3, 2026
Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson perform selections from “Nixon in China.” Robert Spano conducts the Festival Orchestra.
Performance Date: July 5, 2026
Anthony Griffey performs with the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble in Wilson’s “A City Called Heaven.” Donald Crockett conducts.
Performance Date: July 6, 2026
Anthony Roth Costanzo joins the young artists of Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS for an evening of song.
Performance Date: July 7, 2026
Renée Fleming and Patrick Summers host the first “Opera Encounters.” The event features Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS emerging young singers in opera scenes.
Performance Date: July 11, 2026
Next is the annual musical concert collaboration with Theatre Aspen.
Performance Date: July 13 & 14, 2026
Opera House Music features the student artists of the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS program.
Performance Dates: July 15 & August 5, 2026
Joyce DiDonato and pianist Patrick Summers present a recital. The program is to be announced in April.
Performance Date: July 15, 2026
The world premiere of Aucoin’s “Symphony ” No. 1 (AMFS co-commission) stars Joyce DiDonato.
Cristian Măcelaru conducts.
Performance Date: July 15 & 19, 2026
Tamara Mumford solos in Bernstein’s “Jeremiah.” Robert Spano conducts.
Performance Date: July 17, 2026
Joyce DiDonato hosts the next “Opera Encounters.”
Performance Date: July 18, 2026
Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream features Anthony Roth Costanzo. He is joined by the Colorado Children’s Chorale and children’s choir. Emily Crile is the chorus director. Simon Godwin directs and Jane Glover conducts.
Performance Dates: July 20 & 22, 2026
Next up is “Great American Songbook Evening.” The program will be announced at a later date.
Performance Date: July 21, 2026
Nico Muhly and Anthony Roth Costanzo host “Opera Encounters.”
Performance Date: July 25, 2026
Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS present an evening of art songs.
Performance Dates: July 26, August 9, 16, 2026
Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Hildegard (co-commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and the Aspen Music Festival and School) is performed by the singers of the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS and Aspen Contemporary Ensemble. Timothy Weiss conducts.
Performance Date: July 31, 2026
Jane Glover hosts “Opera Encounters.”
Performance Date: August 1, 2026
Lawrence Brownlee, Erin Morley, and pianist Myra Huang give a recital.
Performance Date: August 4, 2026
Patrick Summers hosts “Opera Encounters.”
Performance Date: August 8, 2026
Ana María Martínez solos in the “Chamber Music” concert.
Performance Date: August 8, 2026
“Opera Encounters” is hosted by Christopher Theofanidis.
Performance Date: August 15, 2026
Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” is presented by the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS and Kantorei. Joel Rinsema is the chorus director. Paula Suozzi directs and Patrick Summers conducts.
Performance Date: August 21, 2026
Ana María Martínez and Darrell Babidge host “Opera Encounters.”
Performance Date: August 22, 2026
The season closes with Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” in D minor, op. 125 “Choral.” Soloists are Ana María Martínez, Kelley O’Connor, Issachah Savage, Robert Spano, and Ryan McKinny. They are joined by Kantorei led by Joel Rinsema. Ken Yanagisawa conducts the Festival Orchestra.
Performance Date: August 23, 2026
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