Samson and Delilah is a tale that has seen many iterations. It originated in the bible and has made its way into fine art and music. Each time, a unique take adds to the presentation of the story. Our director for Samson and Delilah, Keturah Stickann, will be bringing her perspective to this opera in May. Learn more about Samson and Delilah, on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on May 4, 7, 10, 12>> SAMSON AND DELILAH ORIGINS Camille Saint-Saëns first set out to write an oratorio around the story of Samson and Delilah. Luckily, librettist Ferdinand Lemaire suggested the work be wr ..read more

Meet tenor Rafael Davila, making his role debut as our leading man in Samson and Delilah. He has performed all around the world and returns to Opera Colorado for the first time since Tocsa (Cavaradossi) in 2021. For his performance in Tosca, audiences shared, “My favorite part was the tenor, Davila; he was amazing” and “Rafael Davila was perfect for this part and gave an outstanding performance. I hope you bring this excellent performer back for another engagement.” Before you see Rafael Davila live in Samson and Delilah, learn more about his career as an opera singer. See Rafael Davila in hi ..read more

Katharine Goeldner makes her Opera Colorado debut with Samson and Delilah in May. While new to Colorado, Katharine is no stranger to the  mountains—she is based in Salzburg, Austria. She has already performed the role of Delilah and received high praise from The Virginia Gazette: “As Delilah, Katharine Goeldner regaled us with her rich, creamy mezzo-soprano that found lyrical luxuriousness in the opera’s two celebrated arias ‘Spring Blossoms’ and ‘My Heart Opens to Your Voice.’” Before you see her live in Samson and Delilah, learn more about the mezzo-soprano behind this iconic role. Lea ..read more

There is a lot of history and iconic imagery that goes hand in hand with Samson and Delilah. Learn more about this biblical story’s transition to an opera featuring some of the most lush and passionate music in the repertoire. Learn more about Samson and Delilah on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House from May 4-12>> Samson and Delilah Becomes an Opera French composter Camille Saint-Saëns The Old Testament strongman and the woman who betrayed him: oratorio or opera? Both have singers, instruments, and a plot. However, in oratorios (think of Handel’s Messiah), the story is told, not a ..read more

The epic tale of Samson and Delilah emerges from the pages of its biblical origins to an opulent spectacle in Saint-Saëns’s opera. This indulgent display of stunning visuals and dance includes well-known arias such as “Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix” (“My heart opens itself to your voice”).  Learn the story before you see it live! Experience this opera on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House this May. Get tickets today>> THE ORIGINS OF SAMSON AND DELILAH Composer–Camille Saint-Saëns (October 9, 1835–December 16, 1921) Librettist–Ferdinand Lemaire (1832–1879) Premiere–December ..read more

The Flying Dutchman premiered over 180 years ago on January 2, 1843 at the Königliches Hoftheater in Dresden. Despite its age, this opera still has many relevant themes, including community, family, love, and sacrifice. It is up to the director to put their own spin on the opera. This time around, the role of Director Kathleen Smith Belcher is unique. She is putting on a new production of The Flying Dutchman, complete with never-before-seen sets and costumes. Explore her thoughts and interpretation of The Flying Dutchman below. Learn more about The Flying Dutchman, on stage at the Ellie Caulk ..read more

What would you do to have all the confidence you need to make your dreams come true? The ability to believe in our dreams and stand tall in the face of rejection is something many people desire. With Opera Colorado’s abridged touring production of The Elixir of Love, we hope audiences harness that feeling! The Elixir of Love follows a simple cowhand, Nemorino, who is in love with a woman whom he thinks is out of his league, Adina. To have the confidence to win her love, Nemorino drinks what he believes is a magical love potion, and hilarity ensures. Our Artists in Residence will perform this ..read more

By: Betsy Schwarm Richard Wagner was a master of both music and story, which you will see well-reflected in his work The Flying Dutchman. To learn the full story of the opera, check out The Flying Dutchman 101: Characters and Plot. To have a deeper dive into the music and history of this opera, check out these insights from music historian Betsy Schwarm. Learn more about The Flying Dutchman, on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House from February 24 to March 3>> The Origins of The Flying Dutchman The Flying Dutchman by Charles Temple Dix (1838–1873) Richard Wagner (1813–1883) did not i ..read more

Icelandic baritone Olafur Sigurdarson returns to Opera Colorado after portraying the title role in Falstaff in 2018. While he is no stranger to playing the Dutchman, this is his first time performing the role in the Mile High City. An expert on the works of Wagner, Olafur is a wonderful addition to this cast. Meet the man, the myth, the legend in the following Q&A before you see him live in Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. See Olafur in The Flying Dutchman from February 24 to March 3. Get tickets here>> How did you get involved in opera? Was music part of your life as a child in Icelan ..read more

By the Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director Greg Carpenter The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down a bit and look back on all we accomplished over the past calendar year. Let’s reflect on all Opera Colorado has done in 2023 together. Our 40th Anniversary Season Joyce Di Donato and pianist Craig Terry at Opera Colorado’s 40th Anniversary Gala. Source: Matt Staver/Opera Colorado January was filled with excitement as we put the finishing touches on our new production of Erich Korngold’s rarely performed masterpiece, Die tote Stadt. Presenting this incredible work was no sma ..read more