Runtime (2 hours and 15 minutes)

Overview

Austin Opera’s season concludes in spring 2022 at the Long Center with Fidelio: A Celebratory Gala Production. Beethoven wrote Fidelio, his only opera, in response to the volatile political situation in Europe during his time, and his themes of social justice, the meaning of freedom, and the power of love and fidelity are still remarkably relevant.

From the moment you walk into the Long Center, you’ll sense you are close to Leonora, our heroine, as she journeys to rescue her wrongly-accused husband Florestan from a dark, cold prison cell.

Once you take your seat in Dell Hall, the story unfolds gloriously through Beethoven’s stunning score, sung exquisitely by Alexandra Loutsion (Leonora), Sean Panikkar (Florestan), and Musa Ngqungwana (the villain, Don Pizarro). Savor the experience as you’re bathed in sound and light, immersed in Leonora’s love-driven quest until its triumphant end.

Directed by Jennifer Williams, this world premiere orchestra-on-stage production is conducted by Timothy Myers, the Sarah and Ernest Butler Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor. See examples of the set and costume design under the “Look and Listen” tab!

Both performances will include events celebrating Austin Opera’s resilience and will raise funds in support of the company’s future in the areas of innovation, impact, and artistic excellence as part of the Austin Opera Forward Campaign. At the first performance on Friday, April 29, 2022, attendees can purchase tickets to a celebratory black-tie gala on the H-E-B Terrace including a pre-show cocktail hour, an elegant, seated dinner, and an exclusive after-party under the tent with the artists.

On Sunday, May 1, 2022, attendees can purchase tickets to an exclusive season-ending reception following the performance featuring Fidelio’s principal cast and members of the Austin Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

Information on our Opera ATX experience Beethoven in Virtual Reality: Fidelio can be found here.