Sarasota Opera- Susannah
Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance in the 1950s rural Tennessee.
A re-telling of the Book of Susannah, the story follows a pretty, innocent young woman as she falls under the jealous scrutiny of her rural Appalachian community. When the Reverend Blitch appears at her door offering redemption, tragic events unfold that force Susannah to take a stand for her dignity. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Floyd's birth and in the state of its premiere, Susannah is a timeless, gripping tale and one of the most popular American operas.
Charlotte Symphony- Excerpts from Susannah
Soprano Janai Brugger joins Music Director Kwamé Ryan and the Orchestra for works exploring themes of home, nostalgia, and longing, including "The Trees on the Mountain" from Floyd's Susannah and Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The evening culminates with Dvořák's "New World" Symphony.
Conductor- Kwamé Ryan
Soprano- Janai Brugger
Charlotte Symphony- Excerpts from Susannah
Soprano Janai Brugger joins Music Director Kwamé Ryan and the Orchestra for works exploring themes of home, nostalgia, and longing, including "The Trees on the Mountain" from Floyd's Susannah and Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The evening culminates with Dvořák's "New World" Symphony.
Conductor- Kwamé Ryan
Soprano- Janai Brugger
Sarasota Opera- Susannah
Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance in the 1950s rural Tennessee.
A re-telling of the Book of Susannah, the story follows a pretty, innocent young woman as she falls under the jealous scrutiny of her rural Appalachian community. When the Reverend Blitch appears at her door offering redemption, tragic events unfold that force Susannah to take a stand for her dignity. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Floyd's birth and in the state of its premiere, Susannah is a timeless, gripping tale and one of the most popular American operas.
Charlotte Symphony- Excerpts from Susannah
Soprano Janai Brugger joins Music Director Kwamé Ryan and the Orchestra for works exploring themes of home, nostalgia, and longing, including "The Trees on the Mountain" from Floyd's Susannah and Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The evening culminates with Dvořák's "New World" Symphony.
Conductor- Kwamé Ryan
Soprano- Janai Brugger
Jenaer Philharmonie- Excerpts from Susannah
Conductor- Daniel Spaw
Soprano- Anne Elizabeth Sorbara
Theater Im Schlossgarten, Arnstadt, Germany
New Orleans Opera- Pilgrimage
A journey through the dark night of the soul. In this immersive pairing, Carlisle Floyd’s Pilgrimage and Kaija Saariaho’s L’amour de loin intertwine, guiding listeners through an odyssey of longing and spiritual rebirth. *performed in partnership with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
New York Philharmonic- Excerpt from Susannah
Golda Schultz sings Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 — a haunting evocation of childhood memories — plus arias by Stravinsky and Carlisle Floyd. Alongside these, Kwamé Ryan conducts music by two quintessential American iconoclasts: Charles Ives’s The Unanswered Question and a new concerto by George Lewis, featuring the piano-and-percussion quartet Yarn/Wire.
Conductor- Kwamé Ryan
Soprano- Golda Schultz
New York Philharmonic- Excerpt from Susannah
Golda Schultz sings Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 — a haunting evocation of childhood memories — plus arias by Stravinsky and Carlisle Floyd. Alongside these, Kwamé Ryan conducts music by two quintessential American iconoclasts: Charles Ives’s The Unanswered Question and a new concerto by George Lewis, featuring the piano-and-percussion quartet Yarn/Wire.
Conductor- Kwamé Ryan
Soprano- Golda Schultz
New York Philharmonic- Excerpt from Susannah
Golda Schultz sings Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 — a haunting evocation of childhood memories — plus arias by Stravinsky and Carlisle Floyd. Alongside these, Kwamé Ryan conducts music by two quintessential American iconoclasts: Charles Ives’s The Unanswered Question and a new concerto by George Lewis, featuring the piano-and-percussion quartet Yarn/Wire.
Conductor- Kwamé Ryan
Soprano- Golda Schultz
Mission Opera - Slow Dusk/ The Sojourner and Mollie Sinclair
Floyd’s first opera is based on his own short story “A Lengthening Shadow,” which takes place in the sandhills of the Carolinas and features familiar themes of poverty and religious fundamentalism. Sadie and Micah plan to marry, against the wishes of Sadie’s family who oppose the relationship because their families belong to different religious sects. Despite their poor land prospects, they dream of working hard and building a future together. While Sadie’s aunt Sue attempts to dissuade her, tragedy strikes, dashing the young couples’ hopes.
Mission Opera - Slow Dusk/ The Sojourner and Mollie Sinclair
Floyd’s first opera is based on his own short story “A Lengthening Shadow,” which takes place in the sandhills of the Carolinas and features familiar themes of poverty and religious fundamentalism. Sadie and Micah plan to marry, against the wishes of Sadie’s family who oppose the relationship because their families belong to different religious sects. Despite their poor land prospects, they dream of working hard and building a future together. While Sadie’s aunt Sue attempts to dissuade her, tragedy strikes, dashing the young couples’ hopes.
Moores Opera Center - Slow Dusk/ Markheim
Join us for a double-bill of Carlisle Floyd's haunting one-act operas in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Moores Opera Center - Slow Dusk/ Markheim
Join us for a double-bill of Carlisle Floyd's haunting one-act operas in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Moores Opera Center - Slow Dusk/ Markheim
Join us for a double-bill of Carlisle Floyd's haunting one-act operas in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Moores Opera Center - Slow Dusk/ Markheim
Join us for a double-bill of Carlisle Floyd's haunting one-act operas in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Of Mice & Men
We end our season with a powerful adaptation of Steinbeck's classic novella by the father of American opera Carlisle Floyd. Of Mice and Men delves deep into the American psyche and brings to life the unbreakable bond between George and Lennie, migrant farm workers striving for the American Dream. Directed by Kristine McIntyre, our production uses projections to immerse the audience in Lennie's perspective, blending intimate humanity with cinematic scope in a gripping, tragic journey.
This new production is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Houston Grand Opera, Florida State University, and Des Moines Metro Opera.
Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Of Mice & Men
We end our season with a powerful adaptation of Steinbeck's classic novella by the father of American opera Carlisle Floyd. Of Mice and Men delves deep into the American psyche and brings to life the unbreakable bond between George and Lennie, migrant farm workers striving for the American Dream. Directed by Kristine McIntyre, our production uses projections to immerse the audience in Lennie's perspective, blending intimate humanity with cinematic scope in a gripping, tragic journey.
This new production is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Houston Grand Opera, Florida State University, and Des Moines Metro Opera.
Lyric Opera of Kansas City - Of Mice & Men
We end our season with a powerful adaptation of Steinbeck's classic novella by the father of American opera Carlisle Floyd. Of Mice and Men delves deep into the American psyche and brings to life the unbreakable bond between George and Lennie, migrant farm workers striving for the American Dream. Directed by Kristine McIntyre, our production uses projections to immerse the audience in Lennie's perspective, blending intimate humanity with cinematic scope in a gripping, tragic journey.
This new production is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Houston Grand Opera, Florida State University, and Des Moines Metro Opera.
Carnegie Hall- The Carlisle Floyd Centennial
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Carlisle Floyd, one of America’s most influential opera composers, with a landmark Centennial Concert at Carnegie Hall on June 20, 2026. This unforgettable evening features world-renowned artists, orchestral musicians, and the choirs of the University of Houston and Florida State University, performing beloved favorites like “Ain’t It A Pretty Night” alongside rarely heard works and selections from Willie Stark and Cold Sassy Tree.
Des Moines Metro Opera - Of Mice & Men
Steinbeck’s timeless novella Of Mice & Men becomes a superbly crafted opera of great beauty and power. George and Lennie are two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning an acre of land and a shack they can call their own. But George cannot guard Lennie, a childlike giant of a man with a love for soft things, from the bullying of the ranch boss and his flirtation set unhappy young wife.
This new production is co-produced by Des Moines Metro Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Florida State University.
Des Moines Metro Opera - Of Mice & Men
Steinbeck’s timeless novella Of Mice & Men becomes a superbly crafted opera of great beauty and power. George and Lennie are two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning an acre of land and a shack they can call their own. But George cannot guard Lennie, a childlike giant of a man with a love for soft things, from the bullying of the ranch boss and his flirtation set unhappy young wife.
This new production is co-produced by Des Moines Metro Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Florida State University.
Des Moines Metro Opera - Of Mice & Men
Steinbeck’s timeless novella Of Mice & Men becomes a superbly crafted opera of great beauty and power. George and Lennie are two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning an acre of land and a shack they can call their own. But George cannot guard Lennie, a childlike giant of a man with a love for soft things, from the bullying of the ranch boss and his flirtation set unhappy young wife.
This new production is co-produced by Des Moines Metro Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Florida State University.
Des Moines Metro Opera - Of Mice & Men
Steinbeck’s timeless novella Of Mice & Men becomes a superbly crafted opera of great beauty and power. George and Lennie are two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning an acre of land and a shack they can call their own. But George cannot guard Lennie, a childlike giant of a man with a love for soft things, from the bullying of the ranch boss and his flirtation set unhappy young wife.
This new production is co-produced by Des Moines Metro Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Florida State University.
Des Moines Metro Opera - Of Mice & Men
Steinbeck’s timeless novella Of Mice & Men becomes a superbly crafted opera of great beauty and power. George and Lennie are two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning an acre of land and a shack they can call their own. But George cannot guard Lennie, a childlike giant of a man with a love for soft things, from the bullying of the ranch boss and his flirtation set unhappy young wife.
This new production is co-produced by Des Moines Metro Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Florida State University.
Sarasota Opera- Susannah
Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance in the 1950s rural Tennessee.
A re-telling of the Book of Susannah, the story follows a pretty, innocent young woman as she falls under the jealous scrutiny of her rural Appalachian community. When the Reverend Blitch appears at her door offering redemption, tragic events unfold that force Susannah to take a stand for her dignity. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Floyd's birth and in the state of its premiere, Susannah is a timeless, gripping tale and one of the most popular American operas.
Sarasota Opera- Susannah
Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance in the 1950s rural Tennessee.
A re-telling of the Book of Susannah, the story follows a pretty, innocent young woman as she falls under the jealous scrutiny of her rural Appalachian community. When the Reverend Blitch appears at her door offering redemption, tragic events unfold that force Susannah to take a stand for her dignity. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Floyd's birth and in the state of its premiere, Susannah is a timeless, gripping tale and one of the most popular American operas.
Sarasota Opera- Susannah
Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance in the 1950s rural Tennessee.
A re-telling of the Book of Susannah, the story follows a pretty, innocent young woman as she falls under the jealous scrutiny of her rural Appalachian community. When the Reverend Blitch appears at her door offering redemption, tragic events unfold that force Susannah to take a stand for her dignity. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Floyd's birth and in the state of its premiere, Susannah is a timeless, gripping tale and one of the most popular American operas.
Houston Grand Opera - Of Mice & Men
Friendship, Tragedy, and the American Spirit
There can be no more fitting way for HGO to celebrate the centennial of the birth of composer Carlisle Floyd— who founded the company’s Butler Studio Program with then-General Director David Gockley in 1977— then a special staging of his evocative opera Of Mice and Men performed by a cast of artists from the 2025-26 class of the Butler Studio. Based on John Steinbeck’s 1937 novella of the same name, the acclaimed 1970 opera will be presented in the Wortham’s intimate Cullen Theater. The opera shares the poignant tale of two laborers seeking work during the Great Depression: George, small and shrewd, and Lenny, whose intellectual disability and formidable strength often lead to trouble. Together, the friends dream of buying a plot of land all their own, where they can live in peace, but their story ends in tragedy— and an act of mercy made all the more moving by Floyd’s haunting score with its masterful blend of folk tunes and blues melodies. Join HGO for an unforgettable operatic experience as the company honors the great American composer whose legacy is inseparable from their own history.
This new production is co-produced by Houston Grand Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Florida State University, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
Sarasota Opera- Susannah
Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance in the 1950s rural Tennessee.
A re-telling of the Book of Susannah, the story follows a pretty, innocent young woman as she falls under the jealous scrutiny of her rural Appalachian community. When the Reverend Blitch appears at her door offering redemption, tragic events unfold that force Susannah to take a stand for her dignity. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Floyd's birth and in the state of its premiere, Susannah is a timeless, gripping tale and one of the most popular American operas.
Houston Grand Opera - Of Mice & Men
Friendship, Tragedy, and the American Spirit
There can be no more fitting way for HGO to celebrate the centennial of the birth of composer Carlisle Floyd— who founded the company’s Butler Studio Program with then-General Director David Gockley in 1977— then a special staging of his evocative opera Of Mice and Men performed by a cast of artists from the 2025-26 class of the Butler Studio. Based on John Steinbeck’s 1937 novella of the same name, the acclaimed 1970 opera will be presented in the Wortham’s intimate Cullen Theater. The opera shares the poignant tale of two laborers seeking work during the Great Depression: George, small and shrewd, and Lenny, whose intellectual disability and formidable strength often lead to trouble. Together, the friends dream of buying a plot of land all their own, where they can live in peace, but their story ends in tragedy— and an act of mercy made all the more moving by Floyd’s haunting score with its masterful blend of folk tunes and blues melodies. Join HGO for an unforgettable operatic experience as the company honors the great American composer whose legacy is inseparable from their own history.
This new production is co-produced by Houston Grand Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Florida State University, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
Lima Symphony Orchestra- Excerpt from Susannah
Immerse yourself in the heart of America’s musical legacy with a concert that showcases the soul-stirring sounds of Gershwin, Bernstein, Ellington, and more. Soprano Tracy Cantin joins the orchestra for a breathtaking performance of iconic works. This evening honors the music that shaped American culture and the figures and stories that have left an indelible mark on America.
Conductor- Andrew Crust
Soprano- Tracy Cantin
Odyssey Opera - Flower & Hawk
Carlisle Floyd’s rarely performed Flower and Hawk gives an intimate look at the wealthy and powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Sarah Coburn, soprano
Georgia Southern University— Piano in the Arts
Works by Joseph Haydn, Felix Mendelssohn and Carlisle Floyd.
Pianist- David Murray
Fine Arts Auditorium, Georgia Southern University
Jenaer Philharmonie- Excerpts from Susannah
Conductor- Daniel Spaw
Soprano- Anne Elizabeth Sorbara
Volkshaus, Jena, Germany
Memphis Symphony - Orchestral Suite from Susannah
Robert Moody, conductor
Will Leathers, trumpet
FLOYD Susannah: Orchestral Suite
ARUTIUNIAN Trumpet Concerto
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4
Opera Omaha- Susannah
Susannah explores the destructive effects of false accusations and the cruelty of mob mentality. Set in a stark Tennessee town, a young woman is targeted by suspicion and gossip that mounts in intensity. The music is undeniably American and inspired by familiar folk melodies that underscore the opera’s setting. Directed by renowned soprano Patricia Racette in her Opera Omaha debut, Susannah confronts the complexity of human nature through Susannah’s search for beauty and one man’s lust for power.
Opera Omaha - Susannah
Susannah explores the destructive effects of false accusations and the cruelty of mob mentality. Set in a stark Tennessee town, a young woman is targeted by suspicion and gossip that mounts in intensity. The music is undeniably American and inspired by familiar folk melodies that underscore the opera’s setting. Directed by renowned soprano Patricia Racette in her Opera Omaha debut, Susannah confronts the complexity of human nature through Susannah’s search for beauty and one man’s lust for power.
Loyola Opera Theatre - Susannah
Join us for an inspiring start to a year of artistry and bold storytelling on stage.
Loyola Opera Theatre celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of the composer! The message of this powerful opera is as relevant today as when the work premiered in the 1950’s.
Loyola Opera Theatre - Susannah
Join us for an inspiring start to a year of artistry and bold storytelling on stage.
Loyola Opera Theatre celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of the composer! The message of this powerful opera is as relevant today as when the work premiered in the 1950’s.
Sinfonieorchester St.Gallen- Excerpts from Susannah
Conductor- Michael Balke
Verrucano, Mels, Switzerland
St. Pete Opera- Susannah
A young girl blossoms into beauty in a small town in rural Tennessee. Her only relative is her drunken brother, her only friend the son of disapproving church leaders. The church elders come upon Susannah bathing nude in a creek by her house, and instead of seeing her innocence, they project their own sins upon the girl. One evil act breeds another in this tale of intolerance, betrayal, and loss.
St. Pete Opera- Susannah
A young girl blossoms into beauty in a small town in rural Tennessee. Her only relative is her drunken brother, her only friend the son of disapproving church leaders. The church elders come upon Susannah bathing nude in a creek by her house, and instead of seeing her innocence, they project their own sins upon the girl. One evil act breeds another in this tale of intolerance, betrayal, and loss.
St. Pete Opera- Susannah
A young girl blossoms into beauty in a small town in rural Tennessee. Her only relative is her drunken brother, her only friend the son of disapproving church leaders. The church elders come upon Susannah bathing nude in a creek by her house, and instead of seeing her innocence, they project their own sins upon the girl. One evil act breeds another in this tale of intolerance, betrayal, and loss.
AMERICAN OPERA SCENES: A CONCERT FOR 9/11
The concert will feature music by Carlisle Floyd, William Grant Still & Virgil Thomson; with words by Langston Hughes, Verna Arvey, and Gertrude Stein. The scenes are drawn from the history of the Americas both historical and fictional including Huey Long, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Susan B. Anthony.
Kansas State School of Music- Slow Dusk
The Kansas State School of Music Theatre and Dance presents two One-Act Operas in One Night, March 6-8 at 7:30pm and March 9 at 2:30pm in Chapman Theater, Nichols Hall.
With musical direction by Dr. Reginald Pittman, pianist Dr. Songhwa Chae and stage direction by Professor Jerry Jay Cranford, the Thursday and Saturday performances feature music students Anna Purvis, Evan Beaty, Amaya Dungun and Chris Melton in "Slow Dusk."
Susannah
Concert of Arias featuring
“Ain’t it a Pretty Night” from Susannah
New Art Orchestra
Xu Chenxin, Conductor
Soprano, Zhou Yaping
Slow Dusk
Slow Dusk is a one-act musical play that was a precursor to Floyd’s celebrated opera Susannah. This one act takes place entirely on the front porch of a farm in the Sandhills of the Carolinas. Floyd tells the tragic story of Sadie and Micah, star crossed lovers, who are members of different religious sects and their struggle to find hope for their relationship.
Presented in a double bill with Thomas Pasatieri’s Signor Deluso
Purdue University - Fort Wayne School of Music
Rhinehart Recital Hall
Directed by Dr. Matthew Giallongo
Slow Dusk
Slow Dusk is a one-act musical play that was a precursor to Floyd’s celebrated opera Susannah. This one act takes place entirely on the front porch of a farm in the Sandhills of the Carolinas. Floyd tells the tragic story of Sadie and Micah, star crossed lovers, who are members of different religious sects and their struggle to find hope for their relationship.
Presented in a double bill with Thomas Pasatieri’s Signor Deluso
Purdue University - Fort Wayne School of Music
Rhinehart Recital Hall
Directed by Dr. Matthew Giallongo
Susannah
Texas Christian University Opera Studio
Secrest-Wible Building
Corey Trahan, Conductor
Susannah
Texas Christian University Opera Studio
Secrest-Wible Building
Corey Trahan, Conductor