The twin pillars of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’s 2027 Festival Season are Italian opposites that belong together. Verdi’s ‘La traviata’ (May 29–June 27, 2027), directed by Bruno Ravella and conducted by Daniela Candillari, brings opera’s most beloved tragedy of love and sacrifice to the Loretto-Hilton stage — Violetta’s story, sung in English, close enough to touch.
Balancing heartbreak with sparkle, Rossini’s ‘La Cenerentola’ — ‘Cinderella’ (June 5–27) — arrives in a production directed by Michael Shell with Gemma New conducting: no glass slippers or fairy godmothers, just quicksilver wit, a kindhearted heroine named Angelina, and coloratura fireworks that leave audiences grinning.
One festival, both weathers of the heart. Subscriptions put the pair — plus Sondheim and the ‘Safe Haven’ premiere — in a single summer.
Both productions are at the Loretto-Hilton Center, Webster Groves. Tickets at opera-stl.org.
