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.

















