Aveline Kirana
St. Louis, MO – Union Avenue Opera has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 Festival Season, a vibrant summer program scheduled to run from July through August at the esteemed Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis. The season promises a compelling lineup of three distinct productions, showcasing a blend of operatic grandeur, theatrical storytelling, and musical excellence. This year’s festival marks a significant artistic endeavor for the company, aiming to engage both seasoned opera enthusiasts and new audiences with diverse repertoire and critically acclaimed talent.
The season opens with a beloved staple of musical theater, a production of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick’s "Fiddler on the Roof." This iconic work, known for its universal themes of tradition, change, and family, will be brought to life under the baton of Founding Artistic Director Scott Schoonover, with Kasey Cox at the helm as director. The production boasts a robust cast featuring E. Scott Levin in the pivotal role of Tevye, the milkman grappling with the changing tides of his shtetl. He will be joined by Kate Tombaugh as his resilient wife, Golde. The younger generation will be portrayed by Brianna Murray and Eric Botto as Tzeitel and Motel, Vianca Alejandra and John Tibbetts as Hodel and Perchik, and Arielle Pedersen and James Stevens as Chava and Fyedka, respectively. The younger daughters, Shprintze and Bielke, will be played by Sophie Azara Yilmaz and Audrey Sondag. Rounding out the principal roles are Amy Maude Helfer as the meddling matchmaker Yente and Spencer Reichman as the affluent butcher Lazar Wolf. Performances of "Fiddler on the Roof" are scheduled to run from July 3 to July 11, 2026.
Following the popular musical, Union Avenue Opera will present Gaetano Donizetti’s charming bel canto opera, "L’elisir d’amore" (The Elixir of Love). This comedic masterpiece, celebrated for its delightful melodies and witty libretto, will be conducted by Cara Chowning and directed by Jon Truitt. The principal roles will be filled by a talented ensemble, with Kyaunnee Richardson taking on the role of the beautiful and capricious Adina, the object of Nemorino’s affections. Charles Calotta will portray the lovesick peasant Nemorino, whose pursuit of Adina is fueled by a dubious "elixir." Junhan Choi will embody the swaggering Sergeant Belcore, Adina’s suitor, while John Robert Green steps into the role of the quack doctor Dulcamara, who dispenses the titular elixir. Leann Schuering will complete the cast as the lively Giannetta. "L’elisir d’amore" will be performed from July 24 to August 1, 2026.
The festival concludes with a powerful and dramatic staging of Camille Saint-Saëns’ "Samson et Dalila" (Samson and Delilah). This biblical epic, known for its sweeping score and intense emotional conflicts, will be conducted by Scott Schoonover and directed by Kathryn Frady. Jonny Kaufman will portray the legendary Israelite hero Samson, whose strength is his downfall. Melody Wilson will embody the alluring and manipulative Delilah, whose seduction leads to Samson’s ruin. The cast also includes Eliam Ramos as the High Priest of Dagon, Fitzgerald St Louis as Abimélech, and Jacob Lassetter as the Old Hebrew. Performances of "Samson et Dalila" are slated for August 14 to August 22, 2026.
Background and Context of Union Avenue Opera’s Festival
Union Avenue Opera has established itself as a significant cultural institution in the St. Louis metropolitan area, dedicated to presenting high-quality operatic performances. The company’s annual summer festival has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, drawing audiences with its thoughtful programming and commitment to artistic excellence. Founded with a mission to make opera accessible and engaging, the festival at Union Avenue Christian Church provides an intimate yet grand setting for these productions. The church’s acoustics and architectural beauty often enhance the theatrical experience, creating a unique atmosphere for both the performers and the audience.
The selection of these three works for the 2026 season reflects a deliberate strategy to offer a diverse operatic journey. "Fiddler on the Roof," while often categorized as a musical, possesses operatic scope in its storytelling and musical demands, appealing to a broad demographic. Its inclusion signals Union Avenue Opera’s embrace of productions that resonate with strong narrative and emotional depth. Donizetti’s "L’elisir d’amore" represents the lighter, comedic side of opera, showcasing the company’s versatility and ability to deliver effervescent performances. Saint-Saëns’ "Samson et Dalila" delves into grand opera, offering a dramatic and musically rich experience that allows the company to explore more complex vocal and theatrical challenges.
Supporting Data and Artistic Vision
The programming choices for the 2026 season are indicative of Union Avenue Opera’s ongoing artistic vision. By presenting a mix of widely recognized and critically acclaimed works, the company aims to solidify its reputation while simultaneously expanding its audience reach. The presence of Founding Artistic Director Scott Schoonover in a conducting role for two of the productions underscores his continued leadership and influence on the company’s artistic direction. His involvement, alongside experienced directors like Kasey Cox, Jon Truitt, and Kathryn Frady, ensures a cohesive and high-caliber artistic product.
The casting choices also highlight a commitment to nurturing both established talent and emerging artists. The inclusion of well-regarded singers like E. Scott Levin, Kate Tombaugh, Kyaunnee Richardson, and Melody Wilson alongside promising new voices suggests a balanced approach to talent acquisition. This strategy not only elevates the quality of the performances but also contributes to the professional development of artists within the opera community. The selection of Union Avenue Christian Church as the venue further supports this vision, providing a sacred and acoustically superior environment that complements the grandeur of opera.
Chronology of the 2026 Festival Season
The 2026 Festival Season is meticulously structured to provide a consistent stream of operatic engagement throughout the summer months.
- July 3 – July 11, 2026: The season commences with "Fiddler on the Roof." This initial run, spanning nine performance dates, aims to capture the excitement of the summer opening and attract a broad audience familiar with the beloved story and score.
- July 24 – August 1, 2026: Following a brief interlude, "L’elisir d’amore" takes center stage. This eight-performance run offers a change of pace with its comedic brilliance, providing a delightful contrast to the opening production.
- August 14 – August 22, 2026: The festival culminates with the dramatic intensity of "Samson et Dalila." This final engagement, also featuring eight performances, serves as a powerful conclusion to the season, showcasing the company’s capacity for grand opera.
This staggered yet continuous schedule ensures that audiences have ample opportunity to attend multiple performances throughout the summer, fostering a sustained engagement with the art form. The planning for such a season typically involves extensive lead times, with repertoire selection and artist engagement often commencing years in advance. For a company like Union Avenue Opera, this foresight is crucial for securing the necessary resources, talent, and production elements.
Potential Implications and Broader Impact
The announcement of Union Avenue Opera’s 2026 Festival Season carries several potential implications for the company and the broader St. Louis arts scene.
Artistic Growth and Recognition: By undertaking a diverse and ambitious program, Union Avenue Opera has the opportunity to further solidify its artistic reputation. The successful execution of "Samson et Dalila," in particular, could attract critical attention and enhance the company’s standing within the national opera community. This, in turn, can lead to increased grant opportunities, donor engagement, and the ability to attract even higher-caliber artists for future seasons.
Audience Development: The inclusion of "Fiddler on the Roof" is a strategic move aimed at broadening the opera company’s appeal. This production often draws audiences who may not typically attend traditional opera, serving as an effective gateway to the art form. By successfully engaging these new patrons, Union Avenue Opera can cultivate a more diverse and sustainable audience base for its future programming. The combination of a familiar musical, a classic comedy, and a dramatic masterpiece provides something for every taste, potentially increasing overall attendance and ticket revenue.
Economic Impact: The festival season contributes to the local economy through employment for artists, technical staff, and administrative personnel. It also draws visitors to the city, who then patronize local businesses such as restaurants and hotels. The sustained presence of a vibrant arts festival throughout the summer months can bolster St. Louis’s image as a cultural destination.
Community Engagement: Union Avenue Opera’s commitment to presenting accessible and engaging productions fosters a sense of community pride and cultural enrichment. By providing high-quality artistic experiences, the company contributes to the social fabric of St. Louis, offering shared experiences that can bring people together. The opera’s role in this regard extends beyond mere entertainment, contributing to the overall quality of life for residents.
While specific reactions from the artists involved in the 2026 season are not yet publicly available, the caliber of the selected individuals suggests a high level of anticipation and commitment to these productions. The opportunity to perform in significant roles within a well-regarded festival setting is a testament to the growing prestige of Union Avenue Opera. As the festival dates approach, further engagement from cast and creative team members is expected, likely highlighting their enthusiasm for bringing these iconic works to life. The long-term success of this season will be measured not only by box office receipts but also by its lasting impact on the artistic landscape of St. Louis and its ability to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
