Live Music
Arts & Culture

Summer Opera and Musical Theater

Every summer, Aspen becomes one of the most extraordinary places in the world to experience live music. But for those who love opera, musical theater, and the art of the human voice, this season's lineup at the Aspen Music Festival and School is something genuinely special. From world-famous mezzo-sopranos to Broadway stars to a brand new opera already being called one of the best of the year, here's your guide to the vocal performances worth planning your summer around.

Aspen Music Festival's Summer Opera and Musical Theater Lineup Is Not to Be Missed

Electric and Intimate: Vocal Recitals Under the Stars

If you've never experienced an intimate vocal recital in Aspen, this is the summer to start. On July 15, world-famous mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato takes the stage with pianist Patrick Summers for an evening of Rossini, Lieberson, Haydn, and more. DiDonato is one of the most celebrated opera singers of her generation, and an evening with her in this setting is as close to musical perfection as it gets.

She's not the only star worth catching. Baritone Thomas Hampson performs July 2, and on August 4, tenor Lawrence Brownlee and soprano Erin Morley share the stage in what promises to be a genuinely memorable evening. These recitals are intimate in a way that large concert halls simply can't replicate, and that's what makes them so electric.

Enchanting and Iconic Opera

This season brings three operatic productions that couldn't be more different from one another, and all three are worth your time.

On July 20 and 22, Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream arrives with countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as Oberon, directed by Simon Godwin, artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C. Pure enchantment is the right way to describe it.

July 31 brings the world premiere buzz of Sarah Kirkland Snider's Hildegard, named this year's Best New Opera by the Music Critics Association and called "gorgeously mesmerizing" by The New York Times. Co-commissioned with Beth Morrison Projects, this is the kind of work that people will be talking about for years. If you're going to take a chance on something new this summer, make it this one.

And on August 21, Mozart's The Magic Flute closes out the opera season in the most fitting way possible, one night only with full orchestra in the Tent. The classical genius's most iconic work, live under the Aspen sky. Need we say more?

An Opera Icon Teaches the Next Generation

On July 19, the legendary Renée Fleming leads the Edlis Neeson Opera Encounters, a rare chance to witness one of opera's greatest voices shaping the next generation of performers. Just announced and not to be missed.

Lively Nights of Musical Theater and Song

Opera isn't the only thing on the calendar. On July 13 and 14, Guys and Dolls in Concert brings Broadway royalty to Aspen, with Julie Benko (Funny Girl), Bonnie Milligan (Kimberly Akimbo), Christopher Sieber (Spamelot), and Ryan Vasquez (Hamilton) performing this classic musical comedy with full orchestra, in collaboration with Theatre Aspen. On July 13, a VIP After Party gives you the chance to mingle with the stars themselves — limited tickets are available so don't wait on that one.

Then on July 21, the Great American Songbook brings an evening of smiles and sentimental favorites by Bernstein, Sondheim, Gershwin, Porter, and more. It's the kind of night that reminds you why live music exists.

Plan Ahead

This is one of those summers where the calendar fills up fast and regrets happen. Tickets for most of these events are available now at the Aspen Music Festival and School website. Whether you're a longtime opera lover or just looking for an unforgettable summer night, there's something on this list for you.

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Corneliu Fagaraşan
Architect

Aspen Business Connect completely exceeded my expectations. From the moment I showed up I felt welcomed into a community of open, curious, and genuinely supportive people. It’s not just networking—it’s real connection. I’ve built friendships, found opportunities, and gained invaluable insight simply by being part of the group. The environment Jillian has created makes it easy to show up, be yourself, and grow both personally and professionally.

Hudson McNamee Osprey Design Studio
Owner

I came along and was immediately connected with a lot of entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. A year and a half later I have gained a plethora of connections and advice from people from all walks of the entrepreneurial journey. This valley works by word of mouth. That is the most effective way, and being a part of this has gained me the most high quality clientele that respect what I do, compensate me fairly and I don't have to go through the entire vetting process every time. I learned so much from so many different types of people. It's been invaluable to my growth as an entrepreneur and a small business owner.

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I've been blown away by the professional connections that I've been able to make since joining Aspen Business Connect. I've even had the opportunity to make trade relationships... [and] brought multiple artists onto my company's projects that I wouldn't have otherwise found had I not been a member of ABC.

It's unmatched and unrivaled by anything else in the valley and such a special meeting and connecting place for professionals of all different backgrounds. Jillian does an incredible job making her network ours and she's the most well-connected woman in the valley, always bringing in new people from different places who have different experiences and backgrounds to share. Overall it's one of my favorite things to be part of in the valley, from our socializing events and specialized dinners to our more professional focused events , it's given me the opportunity to make great friends in the valley and even professional relationships. All of us are better off for it.

Jeremy Joseph
Jeremy Joseph Photography

I opened a gallery called Jeremy Joseph Photography, which was a place to display my fine art prints of the Colorado Wilderness and Wildlife. Shortly after opening that space, I started to realize the need for me to be more  integrated into the local community. After a short meeting with Jillian, I realized really quickly how valuable her network could be to get more integrated into the community. The amount of people and relationship building you can do is pretty impressive. Every time that I show up  I always have a bit of a vibrationally tingly inspiration because of everyone's stories and what they're doing. Just a great place to be a part of the community and get inspired for your small business.

Derron Cloud, State Farm Agent in Basalt and Aspen.
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What I have enjoyed from Jillian's group, Aspen Business Connect, is I've met lots of different people, different individuals. There's great events. I have probably not only gained clients but I’ve also been able to provide clients to those other folks that I've met. I've also made friends. Several people that I met in the first meeting that I went to, I've played golf with and our families hang out together. I have also had many, many referrals from those people. This group has been fantastic for networking and learning and just meeting lots of great and wonderful, interesting people.

Dominic Del Signore Homestead Circus Productions
Founder

Being a member hasn't just grown my business; it has fundamentally changed my life in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Jillian is a master at the art of connection, and her dedication to this community is nothing short of brilliant. She understands that when you connect local businesses as genuine resources for one another, you aren't just facilitating 'transactions', you are proliferating a culture of friendship, growth, and playful engagement that makes our community thrive... Great organizations only succeed with great leaders, and Jillian’s mission to foster an environment where we all succeed together is incredibly effective.

Marisa de Lempicka Tamara de Lempicka Estate Foundation
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I've been a member with Aspen Business Connect for about five years now and it's been wonderful. Jillian does an amazing job at connecting people. I always leave the events inspired, empowered, with new ideas. It's really really been a great addition to my life here in Aspen, and it's a great reason to hear what other people are doing in the community, to feel part of this amazing community. The people in this group are amazing. I've /made some really lifelong friendships.

Shari Havroud of Aetio Health
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I am so grateful for Jillian and Aspen Business Connect, for introducing my work to the team at Aspen Strong where we created a successful Food/Mood kids series.  From there, I have been given the opportunity to work with the Aspen Youth Center, Aspen Family Connections and the City of Aspen!” 
All of these engagements have helped me expand awareness about the benefits of medical nutrition therapy.  Just one introduction led to many more.  I would highly recommend joining the Aspen Business Connect network!"
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Construction Litigation

Thank you once again! You’ve created something really special and have done an amazing job pulling together the movers and shakers in this Valley. I’ve lived all over the country but have never witnessed a network like the one you’ve built and are continuing to build. You are such an inspiration!

Eric Amyot Keystone Species CO
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ABC makes networking easy. More than that, the intention and energy, mood, and support for every entrepreneur and business regardless of their scale or industry, is always positive.

Harry Teague - Harry Teague Architects
Owner

Thank you Aspen Real Life and your team. Very informative and well organized panel discussion. Wonderful to network with such smart, fun crowd. Keep up the good work.

Jerome Osentowski Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute
Founder & Director

Last week Jerome, Eden, and Brook melted our minds with their wisdom on the state of our food systems, what they're doing about it, and what we can all do to improve the health of ourselves and the Earth. Thanks Aspen Business Connect for organizing this great event!

Thanks so much Jillian for putting these together. We were glad to see so many people who care about their food, we got so many business cards! Amazing

Rose LeVan Sustainable Settings
Co-Founder & Office Manager

Thank you Jillian for giving us the opportunity to talk with our community via Aspen Business Connect! Your crew is amazing.

Michele Cardamone - Michele Cardamone Photography
Owner

I just went to Jillian's Aspen Business Connect meeting at Aspen Kitchen with a panel discussing the importance of eating local and nutritious food without pesticides. There was so much positive energy in the room and such an eclectic mix of local business representatives. It was such a perfect way to connect with members of our community. Bravo, Jillian! I can't wait for more!

Molly Dodge Bosque Aspen

Such an amazing event, Jillian!! Thank you for including us and for everything that you're doing for this community and beyond. You're an inspiration and connecting people is the most satisfying thing. Xoxox

Bill Infante, Hangai Mountain Textiles, Co-Founder & President at Breakthrough Communications, Basalt Town Council Member.
Principal & Co-Founder

Great evening. Great initiative. Great connections. Thanks Jillian Livingston for bringing the business community together!

Marisa Hallsted The Mindful Vine
Founder

We thought you’d love that we all connected over a fabulous dinner. Turned into a blog post, a mastermind group, a newly designed ring from gems from my ancestors and who knows great collaborations between some of us in the future! Thanks for being our connector and for all you do!!