Houston Daily

The Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts has announced its 2025-26 season, which will feature three productions focusing on themes of love, loss, and redemption.

Kathleen Belcher, artistic director, said the upcoming season aims to highlight transformation through storytelling. “This season is about transformation,” Belcher said. “We’re exploring the ways people evolve through love, heartbreak, and ultimately, the hope of redemption. These stories resonate deeply because they reflect our shared humanity.”

The season opens in October with the world premiere of “Hobson’s Choice,” composed by Tom Cipullo. The opera is based on a classic British play and follows Maggie Hobson as she challenges her father’s expectations in turn-of-the-century Boston. The production will be performed in English from October 23 to 26.

In February, Mozart’s “The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)” will be staged. This opera tells a story about love and enlightenment triumphing over evil and features arias and symbolic characters that have engaged audiences for generations. It will be sung in German with English dialogue from February 5 to 8.

April brings a tribute to composer Carlisle Floyd on his centennial year with performances of two one-act operas: “Slow Dusk” and “Markheim.” Floyd was M.D. Anderson Professor at the University of Houston School of Music from 1976 to 1996. These works reflect Floyd’s emotional range and American style; performances are scheduled for April 16 to 19.

Belcher noted the significance of both premiering Cipullo’s work and honoring Floyd: “We’re also thrilled to present a world premiere by Tom Cipullo, whose music is as emotionally nuanced as it is dramatically engaging. And honoring Carlisle Floyd—a giant in American opera — on his 100th birthday with two of his most moving works is both a privilege and a joy,” Belcher said. “This season promises unforgettable performances for audiences and transformative experiences for our students.”

Tickets are priced at $25 for the general public and $20 for staff, faculty, alumni, seniors, and students.

For more information or to purchase tickets online or through the KGMCA Box Office, visit their website.