New Orleans’ association with opera extends back to the 18th Century. While there is dispute as to when the first opera was performed in New Orleans, it can be stated with authority that since 1796 there has been at least one resident company presenting a season of opera offerings each year. The importance of opera in the Crescent City to its citizens brought about the creation of several fabled venues for opera, not the least of which was the opulent French Opera House, which opened its doors in 1859. During the 20th Century, several resident opera companies flourished, but the most significant was the New Orleans Opera Association, which still remains today. (Alan Smason)
New Orleans: Opera
New Orleans Opera: Opera Around New Orleans
Below are our New Orleans Opera recommendations, with information on location, admission, transportation/parking, company/venue history and other points of interest in New Orleans Art.
New Orleans Opera Association
George Washington had just begun his second term when opera began in New Orleans. During its heyday in the mid-to-late 1800s, the city enjoyed a reputation as the Opera Capital of North America with sumptuous productions in the French Opera House.
The Opera House burned down in 1919 and for nearly a quarter of a century the city depended in touring productions for its opera fix. The city finally re-established a …more…