Opera has always been a place for big emotions, bold stories, and unforgettable voices—and this fall, it’s also a place of fresh beginnings. Opera Colorado welcomes a new leader, a new season, and an open invitation to audiences who may have never imagined the opera house was for them.
Barbara Lynne Jamison, the company’s new Ellie Caulkins General Director & CEO, comes to Denver with a clear mission: to make opera accessible, inclusive, and resonant for all. A former soprano turned arts leader, Barbara has built a career on connecting communities through music.
“This art form has always been about the human experience,” says Jamison. “Opera may be centuries old, but it’s as relevant today as ever. These are stories of love, loss, identity, and strength—and they belong to all of us.”
Opera Colorado’s 2025–26 Season features two powerful productions that explore exactly those themes.
Opening in November is Verdi’s La traviata, the story of a dazzling courtesan who dares to live and love on her own terms. Often called one of the greatest operas of all time, La traviata is filled with sweeping music, heartbreaking choices, and moments of unexpected joy. Whether you’re an opera regular or attending for the very first time, this is a perfect entry point.
In the spring, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly offers a different kind of power. This new production focuses on the quiet resilience of a young woman navigating betrayal and loss with dignity and strength. It’s a story not of romance, but of survival—and it will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Opera Colorado performs at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in downtown Denver. There’s no dress code, no experience required, and yes—there are supertitles in the seat in front of your and above the stage, so you’ll always know what’s happening.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Tickets to both shows are on sale now. You can also save 20% if you experience both operas. Visit operacolorado.org to learn more.
