Festival O23
Mark your calendars for September 2023 in Philadelphia, as the fifth iteration of Opera Philadelphia’s annual, season-opening Festival O brings a star-studded lineup of live performances to multiple venues in the city from Sept. 21 through Oct. 1.
Included in Festival Pass“A hotbed of operatic innovation” The New York Times
New Production Simon Boccanegra Academy of Music
A powerhouse cast and some of Verdi's most sumptuous music fuel this sweeping story that mixes political turmoil with poignant family drama.
World Premiere 10 Days in a Madhouse The Wilma Theater
This psychological drama follows trailblazing reporter Nellie Bly through her internment at Blackwell's Asylum, exposing, as Bly did, notions of madness and societal biases against women.
Philadelphia Premiere Unholy Wars Suzanne Roberts Theatre
Conceived by Lebanese American tenor Karim Sulayman, music by Handel and Monteverdi is interwoven with that of composer Mary Kouyoumjdian to explore and reclaim representations of identity, to reveal a new story of belonging and resilience.
“One of the most enjoyable additions to the fall calendar in years” The Washington Post
Afternoons at AVA Academy of Vocal Arts
Academy of Vocal Arts alumni Musa Ngqungwana and Anne Marie Stanley return to their training grounds and are joined by current Resident Artists for a recital series.
Curtis Voices Curtis Institute of Music
Alumna Amanda Majeski and emergent singers trained at Philadelphia's prestigious Curtis Institute of Music perform in recital at the historic and intimate Field Concert Hall.
Late Night Snacks The Closet
The Bearded Ladies Cabaret returns to share a new selection of guilty pleasures, soul nourishment, and tasty cabaret treats in the annual Late Night Snacks series, presented as part of Festival O23 and the 2023 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Lineup and more info at phillyfringe.org
“Opera Philadelphia continues to raise the bar ... and envision a future for opera that is less static cinematic journey and more hyper-kinetic musical carnival for all the senses.” Limelight Magazine
Plan Your Visit
Plan your full Festival experience, with hotel deals, restaurant recommendations, and more!
Shop O23
Carry a little bit of Opera Philadelphia everywhere you go with our merch, including new designs for Festival O23!
O23 Festival Book
Read the O23 Festival Book! The performance program for 10 Days in a Madhouse, Simon Boccanegra, Unholy Wars, Afternoons at AVA, and Curtis Voices, plus exclusive program essays and features on Late Night Snacks, Community programming, and more!
Opera Breakdown with Dr. Lily Kass
Learn more about the operas in Festival O23 with this series of short digital lectures by Scholar in Residence Dr. Lily Kass that delves into the history, music, and storytelling components 10 Days in a Madhouse, Simon Boccanegra, and Unholy Wars.