An evening of passion, drama and unforgettable music is coming to the heart of New Orleans. The New Orleans Opera Association presents Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore on Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts.
This special semi-staged production, accompanied by a narrator and lasting about 90 minutes with no intermission, brings one of opera’s most beloved works to life in a format perfect for both longtime opera lovers and first-timers. English translations projected above the stage make every twist of the story easy to follow.
Leading the company are conductor Daniela Candillari and director Christopher Mattaliano, guiding a stellar cast: Michelle Johnson as Leonora, Rafael Davila as the troubadour Manrico, Lindsay Ammann as Azucena, Malcom MacKensie as Count di Luna, and Cumhur Görgün as Ferrando.
Verdi’s sweeping score — with its famous Anvil Chorus and fiery arias — tells a tale of love, jealousy and destiny set against the drama of 19th-century Spain. The performance is part of the company’s 2026–27 season, and tickets are on sale now at neworleansopera.org. A night at the opera in New Orleans is a night to remember.
Photo: Gerarus / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
