ARTS & CULTURE
Text and performance photo courtesy of Opera in the Ozarks | Building photos by Tim Hursley
Setting the Stage for Summer in the Ozarks
A month of music, drama and discovery kicks off June 26
Opera in the Ozarks returns this month with a vibrant new season of soaring music, compelling storytelling and emerging artistic talent set against the stunning backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. The nationally acclaimed summer music festival and opera training program welcomes audiences back to Inspiration Point Center for the Arts for the second full season in its new state-of-the-art, 300-seat theater, located five miles west of Eureka Springs. Combining exceptional acoustics, modern amenities and panoramic mountain views, the venue offers one of the region’s most distinctive live performance experiences.
Running June 26 through July 24, the 2026 summer season features 22 fully staged and costumed MainStage performances of four remarkable works: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, one of opera’s greatest comedies filled with romance, wit and irresistible melodies; Bernstein’s Candide, a dazzling and fast-paced satirical adventure bursting with humor and theatrical flair; and a Puccini double bill pairing the deeply moving Suor Angelica with the brilliantly mischievous Gianni Schicchi, showcasing the composer’s extraordinary emotional range.
2025 performance of The Merry Widow
OIO General Director Nancy Preis said this year’s company continues the organization’s proud tradition of artistic excellence. “This summer’s company is filled with extraordinary young artists whose talent, dedication and artistry continue to raise the bar for Opera in the Ozarks,” she said. “With a full orchestra and an inspiring repertoire, audiences can expect remarkable depth, energy and musical excellence throughout the season.”
The 2026 season features 41 singers and professional instrumentalists from across the nation, all selected through competitive auditions. Since 1950, OIO has served as a launching pad for emerging talent, with alumni going on to perform in leading opera houses around the world. For audiences, that means the chance to experience tomorrow’s stars today in an intimate setting unlike any other.
“Our 2026 repertoire offers a compelling blend of comedy, drama and musical brilliance,” Preis said. “From Mozart’s masterful ensemble writing and Bernstein’s sparkling wit to Puccini’s beautifully contrasting one-act operas, this season showcases the range and emotional power of opera at its finest while providing our artists with rich opportunities to grow and shine.”
MainStage productions rotate throughout the month-long festival, with most performances held at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. A special Thursday matinee of Candide will be offered July 9 at 3 p.m.
2026 MainStage Schedule:
The Marriage of Figaro | June 26, July 1, 5, 8, 11, 17, 24
Puccini’s Double Bill | June 27, July 2, 6, 10, 14, 16, 19, 23
Candide | June 30, July 3, 7, 9, 12, 15, 22
Beyond the MainStage performances in Eureka Springs, the season also includes several favorite special events. The always-popular Chamber Music Concert returns July 21 at Inspiration Point, offering an evening of intimate and virtuosic repertoire. Two festive Broadway Cabaret performances will also take place: July 18 in Eureka Springs and July 20 in Springdale at The Apollo on Emma. Both cabarets include a buffet dinner and cash bar while company members perform beloved songs from the Broadway stage.
The summer season will also feature community outreach performances of Monkey See, Monkey Do, a lively family-friendly one-act opera by composer Robert Xavier Rodriguez, presented free of charge at libraries and community venues across Northwest Arkansas and the southwest region of Missouri.
Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now. MainStage performances range from $30 to $50 depending on seating, with $10 tickets available for children and students under 18. Broadway Cabaret tickets are $80, and Chamber Music Concert tickets are $25.
Tickets may be purchased online at Opera in the Ozarks or by calling the box office at (479) 253-8595.