Upcoming Events
Annual Camerata Membership Party
This free event is exclusive to Camerata Members and includes live performances by the Knoxville Opera Studio and refreshments.
Join or renew your Knoxville Opera Camerata Membership here to access this event and more.
Parking & Transportation
Parking at the event is very limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Complimentary shuttles will run continuously between the parking lot and the house throughout the evening.
Once the on-site lot is full, overflow parking will be available at The Trust Company (4825 Old Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919), where shuttles will begin pickup service to bring guests to the party.
We strongly encourage guests to carpool or use a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) to make arrival and departure as smooth as possible.
Carmen
As irresistible as its heroine, Bizet’s Carmen is a masterpiece of operatic drama and unforgettable music—including the iconic Habanera and Toreador Song. Join us at the Tennessee Theatre for this classic tale of passion, freedom, and fatal consequences.
Sung in French with projected English Translations.
Carmen
As irresistible as its heroine, Bizet’s Carmen is a masterpiece of operatic drama and unforgettable music—including the iconic Habanera and Toreador Song. Join us at the Tennessee Theatre for this classic tale of passion, freedom, and fatal consequences.
Sung in French with projected English Translations.
Knoxville Opera Goes to Church
An evening of praise, power, and partnership. Knoxville Opera Goes to Church brings together the rich traditions of opera and gospel in a soul-stirring concert featuring the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir.
This annual community celebration showcases a diverse lineup of opera artists and powerhouse gospel voices in a program that uplifts, unites, and inspires. Blending classical vocal artistry with the joy and rhythm of gospel music, this free event is open to all and rooted in the belief that music is a bridge across cultures and communities.
Admission is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome in support of Knoxville Opera’s ongoing community and educational initiatives.
Annual Camerata Holiday Party
This free event is exclusive to Camerata Members and includes live performances by the Knoxville Opera Studio and refreshments.
Join or renew your Knoxville Opera Camerata Membership here to access this event and more.
Il barbiere di Siviglia
Featuring the iconic “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!” aria, Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia brims with rapid-fire wit, unforgettable music, and comedic twists at every turn. Proving that a sharp blade and an even sharper mind can conquer just about anything, don’t miss this riotous romp at the Tennessee Theatre.
Il barbiere di Siviglia
Featuring the iconic “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!” aria, Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia brims with rapid-fire wit, unforgettable music, and comedic twists at every turn. Proving that a sharp blade and an even sharper mind can conquer just about anything, don’t miss this riotous romp at the Tennessee Theatre.
Knoxville Opera Ball
Step into a night of grandeur and mystery at the 2026 Knoxville Opera Ball, where charm lies behind every glance. This year’s ball transforms the tradition into something unforgettable, blending timeless opera glamour with the seductive allure of a Masquerade.
Presented by the Knoxville Opera Camerata, guests will begin the evening with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a seated dinner and stirring performances by Knoxville Opera artists. As the night unfolds, expect a lively paddle raise, thrilling live auction, and dancing into the evening with a live band. Proceeds benefit Knoxville Opera.
Dress Code: Masquerade Elegance
Formal attire required. Masks encouraged.
Gowns, tuxedos, and cocktail ensembles should reflect the mystery and beauty of a grand masquerade — rich textures, bold silhouettes, metallics, and luxurious fabrics are all welcome. Choose a mask that intrigues or enchants — ornate, dramatic, or minimalist — and prepare to reveal yourself only when the moment feels right.
Rossini Festival
Knoxville’s biggest celebration of arts, culture, and community returns! The Rossini Festival International Street Fair transforms downtown Knoxville into a European-style street party with two full days of music, food, art, and family fun.
Opera lovers and first-timers alike can enjoy free performances by local and regional artists across multiple stages — including highlights from upcoming Knoxville Opera productions. More than 100 artisan vendors, food trucks, and cultural exhibitors fill the streets alongside wine tastings, kid-friendly activities, and live entertainment around every corner.
The Rossini Festival brings together tens of thousands of attendees to celebrate the power of the performing arts in the heart of the city.
Free Admission | Rain or Shine
Rossini Festival
Knoxville’s biggest celebration of arts, culture, and community returns! The Rossini Festival International Street Fair transforms downtown Knoxville into a European-style street party with two full days of music, food, art, and family fun.
Opera lovers and first-timers alike can enjoy free performances by local and regional artists across multiple stages — including highlights from upcoming Knoxville Opera productions. More than 100 artisan vendors, food trucks, and cultural exhibitors fill the streets alongside wine tastings, kid-friendly activities, and live entertainment around every corner.
The Rossini Festival brings together tens of thousands of attendees to celebrate the power of the performing arts in the heart of the city.
Free Admission | Rain or Shine
Gianni Schicchi
Featuring the beloved aria O mio babbino caro and a cast of characters who’ll do anything for a fortune, this one-act gem proves that sometimes crime does pay. Don’t miss it as we close our season with two performances at the Bijou Theatre.
Gianni Schicchi
Featuring the beloved aria O mio babbino caro and a cast of characters who’ll do anything for a fortune, this one-act gem proves that sometimes crime does pay. Don’t miss it as we close our season with two performances at the Bijou Theatre.
Annual Croquet Tournament
The tradition continues! Join Knoxville Opera for an afternoon of playful competition, community spirit, and crisp elegance at the annual Croquet Tournament. Set against the green expanse of the UT Rec Fields, this lighthearted spring fundraiser invites teams of supporters, creatives, and opera enthusiasts to vie for the Annual Tournament Cup — with plenty of fun along the way.
Presented by the Knoxville Opera Camerata, guests will enjoy tournament play, sideline refreshments, music, and celebratory moments throughout the day, all while supporting Knoxville Opera.
Dress Code: All Sport Whites
Classic, clean, and croquet-ready.
Enjoy the festivities with white sports attire inspired by Old World Charm. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear turn-of-the-century whites, and ladies can opt for dresses and garden party hats. White lace is traditional but certainly not mandatory.
Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir Auditions
Audition to join the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir! These auditions to open to singers of all levels.
Those auditioning should prepare a song of their choice and expect to sing scales and arpeggio for range assessment and complete sight reading of a simple melody at the audition.
To be considered for auditions, please email Jeanie Turner Melton for a time slot.
Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir Auditions
Audition to join the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir! These auditions to open to singers of all levels.
Those auditioning should prepare a song of their choice and expect to sing scales and arpeggio for range assessment and complete sight reading of a simple melody at the audition.
To be considered for auditions, please email Jeanie Turner Melton for a time slot.
Arts Together: A Conversation Series
Join a thoughtful panel discussion on the topic of Changing Tides: Censorship in the Arts.
Comprised of leaders in Knoxville’s arts community, representing the Knoxville Museum of Art, the Knoxville Opera, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and the Clarence Brown Theatre, this event will explore the commonalities and unique approaches these organizations face in the changing climate of social and artistic censorship. Steven Matijcio, David L. Butler Executive Director of the Knoxville Museum of Art, will moderate a lively discussion between the four panelists as they examine what is taboo in the arts today and how each organization approaches it in their unique way.
Panelists:
Clarence Brown Theatre – Jed Diamond, Associate Professor, Acting and Clarence Brown Company member
Knoxville Museum of Art – Kelsie Conley, Assistant Curator
Knoxville Opera – Jason Hardy, General Director & CEO
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra – Aram Demirjian, Music Director
This event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments and a cash bar.
Knoxville Opera Auditions
Interested in joining the Knoxville Opera Chorus or taking part in our community programs? Audition with us this summer!
This is your opportunity to be considered for inclusion in the Knoxville Opera Chorus and performance opportunities for community engagement programs, like our Young Audiences school tours and the Rossini Festival.
Sign up and learn more here.
Knoxville Opera Auditions
Interested in joining the Knoxville Opera Chorus or taking part in our community programs? Audition with us this summer!
This is your opportunity to be considered for inclusion in the Knoxville Opera Chorus and performance opportunities for community engagement programs, like our Young Audiences school tours and the Rossini Festival.
Sign up and learn more here.
Make Music Knoxville
Ring in the summer with a worldwide day of music and performances throughout downtown Knoxville for Make Music Knoxville, including Knoxville Opera voices in front of the Tennessee Theatre at 1 PM.
Make Music Day is a free, outdoor music celebration observed worldwide each year on June 21, the first day of summer. The celebration features music of all genres and is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Performances take place in parks, patios, and in public squares. Make Music Day started in 1982 and has since grown to over 750 cities worldwide.
Learn more about the event here.
Honoring Great Smoky Mountain Veterans
Join Knoxville Opera’s Military Voices of East Tennessee (MVET) for a special performance honoring local veterans at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center.
Annual Meeting
Join us for the Annual Meeting of the Knoxville Opera and Knoxville Opera Camerata Boards.
This meeting is open to the public and will include the Happy Booker Award, Season Announcement, and live entertainment, alongside a delicious buffet and cash bar.
Stuck Elevator
Experience the emotional depth of Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jafferis’ Stuck Elevator, a poignant contemporary opera.
More information can be found here.
Knoxville Opera Camerata Croquet Tournament
A splendid spring morning awaits, filled with the joys of brunch and spirited competition. Dive into a delectable brunch spread that will be the perfect prelude to a day of friendly rivalry and mallet mastery.
It's not just a game — it's a community celebration wrapped in the elegance of opera and the timeless charm of croquet. Wear your finest garden party attire and join a gathering that marks more than two decades of unforgettable moments in support of the arts.
Stuck Elevator
Experience the emotional depth of Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jafferis’ Stuck Elevator, a poignant contemporary opera.
More information can be found here.
Stuck Elevator
Experience the emotional depth of Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jafferis’ Stuck Elevator, a poignant contemporary opera.
More information can be found here.
Stuck Elevator
Experience the emotional depth of Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jafferis’ Stuck Elevator, a poignant contemporary opera.
More information can be found here.
Rossini Festival
The Rossini Festival is Knoxville Opera’s annual International Street Fair that celebrates the global impact on the music, food, art, and culture of East Tennessee. Throughout the festival, the public is treated to non-stop entertainment on four outdoor stages showcasing opera, classical, jazz, gospel, ethnic music, ballet, modern, and ethnic dance. Attendees can purchase from scores of food vendors and more than 75 artisans throughout the day, while The Y FunZone keeps children entertained. More than half a million residents of Knox County and the surrounding area have enjoyed the Rossini Festival over the years.
Fun and family-oriented. Admission is always free.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9
Experience the majestic beauty of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 on April 6, 2025, a performance that promises to be powerful and unforgettable.
This special collaboration with the Oak Ridge Symphony will be held at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9
Experience the majestic beauty of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 on April 5, 2025, a performance that promises to be powerful and unforgettable.
This special collaboration with the Oak Ridge Symphony will be held at the Clayton Center for the Arts.
Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir at Big Ears
Rooted in the soaring traditions of gospel, soul, and sacred song, the union of Dedicated Men of Zion and the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir promises a performance of pure spiritual elevation. Hailing from Eastern North Carolina, the Dedicated Men of Zion bring a fervent, harmony-rich sound steeped in the sacred quartet tradition—testifying voices that channel the raw power of faith, struggle, and redemption. The Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir, a dynamic ensemble known for its electrifying performances and deep connection to the city’s musical heritage, adds a lush, full-bodied choral energy to the mix.
Together, these two forces unite in a powerful collaboration that merges the intimate, testifying spirit of quartet gospel with the expansive, soul-stirring grandeur of a mass choir. Expect a performance filled with deep grooves, impassioned call-and-response, and an unwavering devotion to the joyful, redemptive spirit of gospel music.
This special Sunday performance will be presented free and open to the public.
March Madness 2025
Reserve your spot!
Location: Knoxville Opera Headquarters (612 E Depot Ave. Knoxville, TN 37917)
Experience an unforgettable evening of celebration and camaraderie at Knoxville Opera on March 25th at 6:00 pm, as we showcase performances from each of the FINAL FOUR LEADING LADIES from our March Membership Madness campaign. This exclusive members-only event promises an enchanting atmosphere and exceptional entertainment.
Sunday Serenade at Ijams Nature Center
Join Knoxville Opera for a delightful Sunday afternoon of music at Ijams Nature Center.
Sunday Serenade: Timeless Melodies from Stage and Screen brings together beloved classics from opera, Broadway, and film. Enjoy soaring arias, enchanting show tunes, and unforgettable duets performed in the beauty of nature. This magical concert promises to be a feast for the ears and a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
The concert will take place on the lawn, and guests are invited to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be held inside the visitor center.
Saturday Stories & Songs
Knoxville Opera will join the library for a special edition of Saturday Stories & Songs - a free program for families that highlights a variety of talented storytellers, musicians, and performers.
Join us as we present an enchanted musical storytime featuring If You Sing a Song to a Dragon by Alisa Magallon and bring the book to life through music, storytelling, and sing-along fun!
La bohème
Prepare to be enchanted by Puccini’s La Bohème, the timeless masterpiece of operatic storytelling.
Step into the romantic streets of 19th-century Paris with Puccini's "La Bohème." This beloved opera weaves tales of love, passion, and heartbreak amidst the bohemian lifestyle of struggling artists. With its soaring melodies and poignant storytelling, you won’t want to miss your chance to experience the enduring power of love and art.
La bohème
Prepare to be enchanted by Puccini’s La Bohème, the timeless masterpiece of operatic storytelling.
Step into the romantic streets of 19th-century Paris with Puccini's "La Bohème." This beloved opera weaves tales of love, passion, and heartbreak amidst the bohemian lifestyle of struggling artists. With its soaring melodies and poignant storytelling, you won’t want to miss your chance to experience the enduring power of love and art.
Knoxville Opera Children’s Choir Holiday Concert
Tickets and more information are available below.
Knoxville Opera Camerata Holiday Dinner
Join us for an evening of merriment, dinner, and dessert at the Holston Hills Country Club.
6:30 PM - Cocktails
7:30 PM - Dinner and Holiday entertainment by Knoxville Opera
Tickets are $100 and available until December 1.
Knoxville Opera Goes to Church
Experience the power of Knoxville Opera Goes to Church. This concert, featuring the renowned Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir led by Jeanie Turner Melton, is a beloved tradition. Join us at New Covenant Baptist Church for an evening of uplifting gospel music featuring classic and contemporary favorites. Prepare to be inspired and moved by these incredible voices.
The Pirates of Penzance
Set sail for laughter and adventure with Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance."
Fall in love with the whimsical world of "The Pirates of Penzance," where pirates roam the high seas and maidens swoon at the sight of a handsome young hero. With its delightful melodies and clever wordplay, this classic operetta tells the story of love at first sight, mistaken identities, and daring escapes. Join this colorful cast of characters as they navigate the rocky shores of romance with charm and humor.
Pre-Opera Brunch
Join us for a delicious brunch at Babalu before the Sunday matinee performance of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. This event is hosted by the Knoxville Opera Camerata. Seating is limited, so you must secure your spot in advance.
The Pirates of Penzance
Set sail for laughter and adventure with Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance."
Fall in love with the whimsical world of "The Pirates of Penzance," where pirates roam the high seas and maidens swoon at the sight of a handsome young hero. With its delightful melodies and clever wordplay, this classic operetta tells the story of love at first sight, mistaken identities, and daring escapes. Join this colorful cast of characters as they navigate the rocky shores of romance with charm and humor.