Pittsburgh Opera kicks off its 2023–24 Season with more than just its mainstage
operas. From free and casual events to the glitz and glamour of the full opera
experience, Pittsburgh Opera offers a plethora of operatic entertainment this fall for
every taste and price point.
Pittsburgh Opera’s fall line-up provides an easy entry point to patrons new to opera.
Patrons can experience the thrill of live, grand opera through two related Italian operas:
The Barber of Seville and La Traviata at the Benedum Center.
For those patrons who just want to test the waters of this age-old art form, free
concerts in Market Square as well as at the Bitz Opera Factory present an
opportunity to encounter premier artists in a welcoming, intimidation-free
environment ripe with well-known accessible music.
The adventurous patron looking for a unique operatic foray can enjoy a night of
elegance and entertainment at the Sparkling Speakeasy gala. Pittsburgh Opera
strives to make opera accessible to all, and its autumn events present plenty of
avenues to enjoyment.
The Barber of Seville (1816)
Music by Gioachino Rossini, with a libretto by Cesare Sterbini
At the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage
Last performed by Pittsburgh Opera in 2016
Period production set in the French Quarter of New Orleans
Performances of The Barber of Seville
- Saturday October 14, 2023 * 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 17, 2023 * 7:00 PM
- Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 * 10:15 AM – Student Matinee
- Friday, October 20, 2023 * 7:30 PM
- Sunday, October 22, 2023 * 2:00 PM
Overview of The Barber of Seville
Close shaves and cutting comedy
With scissors as sharp as his wits, the cunning barber Figaro is the go-to neighborhood
trickster capable of solving any problem. When Count Almaviva finds himself smitten with
the charming and clever Rosina, Almaviva knows exactly who to call to help him out.
Through disguises and distractions, schemes and subterfuge, Figaro and Almaviva team up
to outwit the dastardly Dr. Bartolo who would have Rosina—and her large fortune—for his
own.
From its famous opening overture to its topsy-turvy conclusion, you’ll be cheering for
“Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!” to win the day.
Tickets are available online at opera.culturaldistrict.org, by calling 412-456-6666, or in person at the Theater Square Box Office. Single tickets start at just $15; Children and teens
ages 6–18 are half-off. Group discounts, including student discounts, are available.
In addition, Pittsburgh Opera’s annual Student Matinee will introduce 2,500+ school
students grades 3–12 to this lively, colorful opera on Thursday, Oct. 19
th at the Benedum Center. Tickets are $12, and are reserved through Pittsburgh Opera’s Education
Department. For more information, please contact Marilyn Egan, Ph.D., Director of
Education via email.
La Traviata (1853)
Music by Giuseppe Verdi, with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
At the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage
- Last performed by Pittsburgh Opera in 2016
Period production owned by Utah Opera
Performances of La Traviata
- Saturday, March 16, 2024 * 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 19, 2024 * 7:00 PM
- Friday, March 22, 2024 * 7:30 PM
- Sunday, March 24, 2024 * 2:00 PM
Overview of La Traviata
Hedonism, hypocrisy, and high society
A courtesan among the decadent elite, Violetta Valéry knows that she will die soon so she
lives life to the fullest. Only the love of the doting Alfredo can sweep her away from these
sensual delights. But while she is a trophy to be won amongst the balls and frivolities of
Paris, she is nothing but a scandalous “fallen woman” to genteel society. Violetta and
Alfredo’s love threatens to bring shame to his family and ruin his sister’s marriage
prospects. In secret, Alfredo’s father presses Violetta to shun Alfredo and save the family’s
reputation. Heartbroken and with her health failing, Violetta retreats to her old life of empty
pleasures. As her illness worsens, will love slip away as well?
Verdi’s exquisite tragedy juxtaposes rousing numbers like the joyous Brindisi with heartwrenching arias to create a shattering emotional portrait like no other.
For more information, visit https://www.pittsburghopera.org/.