Calendar of Events
Below you can find all of our upcoming shows. Check back regularly for news and updates. We look forward to seeing you at the Opera!
Featured Event!
THE MIKADO by GILBERT & SULLIVAN
SATURDAY & SUNDAY - OCTOBER 17 & 18, 2026 | Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo
Opera San Luis Obispo is thrilled to present THE MIKADO in the regions first grand production of a Gilbert and Sullivan work!
Perfect for all ages, we love to promise you’ve not experienced live theatre until you see it produced by a grand opera company, and OperaSLO’s production promises to thrill and wow patrons moment-to-moment with expansive sets and costumes, ballet, chorus, an nationally acclaimed leading cast, all accompanied by the full OperaSLO Grand Orchestra conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff. The production will be choreographed by Drew Silvaggio and stage directed by Marcy Irving in collaboration with Central Coast Gilbert & Sullivan and Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY | OCTOBER 17th and 18th | BOTH PERFORMANCES 2PM
KEY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE - CALL TODAY: (805) 782-7342
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT AN OPERASLO GRAND PRODUCTION? CLICK HERE TO WATCH A SHORT INTRO VIDEO
MORE ABOUT GILBERT & SULLIVAN'S THE MIKADO:
The Mikado is Gilbert and Sullivan at their most deliciously mischievous: a razor-sharp Victorian satire wrapped in silk robes, fans, and absurdly catchy tunes. Set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu (a place where flirting is illegal, executions are fashionable, and bureaucrats take nonsense very seriously), the opera skewers British politics, social climbing, and legal double-talk with a smile that’s anything but innocent.
At the center is the wonderfully useless emperor, the Mikado, whose cheerful devotion to capital punishment is matched only by his talent for pompous nonsense. Around him swirl lovesick young people, terrified officials desperate to keep their own heads attached, and a parade of characters who sing about their own incompetence with astonishing pride. Every song lands like a comic grenade, from rapid-fire patter numbers to mock-sentimental ballads that wink at the audience the whole way through.
Beneath the kimonos and caricature lies a surprisingly modern engine: a comedy about power, hypocrisy, and how systems become ridiculous when rules matter more than people. The Mikado is fast, funny, relentlessly tuneful, and proof that 19th-century opera can still roast authority better than most late-night TV. In short: brilliant music, impeccable timing, and laughs sharp enough to behead complacency—politely, of course.
MIKADO PREVIEW FUNDRAISER
Sunday, May 10 | 2pm-4pm | Private Home in Arroyo Grande
You're invited to a very special fundraiser salon! Maestro Alhadeff is delighted to present several leading stars in Opera San Luis Obispo's October grand production of Gilbert and Sullivan's THE MIKADO. This intimate and elegant afternoon of mesmerizing performances accompanied by pianist Rebecca McClaflin is complemented by champagne, wine, charcuterie, and handcrafted confections.
Enjoy breathtaking views from the patio of an exquisite Varian Ranch home, set to beautiful music, refined atmosphere, and friends of the arts.
Attendance is limited to 45 guests.
Tickets are $65.00 each
Date: Sunday - May 10, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: A private estate in Arroyo Grande. Exact address will be shared with ticket buyers 48-hours prior to event.
Watch a short video about OperaSLO HERE
We look forward to sharing this memorable afternoon with you!
Read More
CHILDREN'S CHORUS FUNDRAISER
Saturday, May 16 | 4pm-6pm | Private Home in Paso Robles
Experience OperaSLO rising youth stars and resident artists accompanied by live music! Enjoy solos, duets, and ensemble performances - all in support of the next generation of artists in our community. Wine and appetizers included.
All proceeds support free participation in the Opera San Luis Obispo Children’s Chorus, music scholarships, travel stipends, masterclasses & more! Event location will be shared with ticket buyers 48-hours prior to event.
Watch a short video about OperaSLO HERE We look forward to sharing this memorable afternoon with you!
Read More
America Turns 250! Patriotic Pops & Veterans Tribute with the OperaSLO Grand Orchestra
Sunday - June 28, 2026 | 3pm | Clark Center for the Performing Arts
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra presents a vibrant symphonic celebration of the music, culture, and shared spirit that define the nation. This exciting program spans Broadway, Hollywood, Americana, and beloved patriotic traditions, bringing together some of the most recognizable and uplifting music ever written.
Audiences will enjoy favorites by Leonard Bernstein, Henry Mancini, Walter Murphy, Leroy Anderson, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and George Gershwin, alongside iconic tributes such as the "Armed Forces Salute" (including the newest theme honoring the United States Space Force), the "Official West Point March," Victor Herbert’s "March of the 22nd Regiment," and the sweeping overture from "The High and the Mighty" by Dimitri Tiomkin. John Philip Sousa’s "Stars and Stripes Forever" captures the pageantry and joy of American celebration, while at the heart of the program stands the rarely performed arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Igor Stravinsky, who immigrated to California.
This fantastic afternoon features the talents of baritone Ralph Cato, soprano Thalia Moore, and cellist Megan Chartier who will give the Central Coast premiere of Victor Herbert's Cello Concert No. 2. Together, these works create a dynamic and welcoming musical experience that celebrates America’s diverse artistic legacy and the enduring sense of unity and possibility that continues to shape its story. Recently voted #1 in the Tribune’s Best of the Central Coast for both Arts & Cultural Events and Live Theater—don’t miss this exciting OperaSLO production.
Meet the maestro and soloists at the exclusive pre-concert reception. Refreshments and charcuterie will be served. Be sure to add-on to your ticket during checkout for $35.
Read More
"THE MIKADO JUNIOR" | CHILDREN'S SUMMER OPERA CAMP
July 20-31 | M-F | 9am-3pm | Ages 9-17
We are thrilled to bring back Children's Summer Opera Camp! Ideal for ages 9-17, this year our two-week adventure culminates in a 1-hour fully staged, set, and costumed "junior production" of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, accompanied by live music too! But there's even more! For those interested in continuing after camp, our production of The Mikado Junior is the training pathway into OperaSLO’s full grand production of "The Mikado" this October at Performing Art Center San Luis Obispo! REGISTER HERE.
WHY THIS CAMP IS DIFFERENT:
**Train with professional directors and OperaSLO Resident Artists
**Rehearse in a structured, professional environment, accompanied by live music
**Perform in a fully staged and costumed performance
**Option to skip the audition for OperaSLO's October grand production
**Professional mentorship
**Access to participation in OperaSLO mainstage professional shows and the OperaSLO Children's Chorus
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN:
**Vocal technique & ensemble singing
**Movement & stage presence
**Character development
**Theatrical storytelling
**Professional rehearsal techniques
**Team building collaborative work
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:
Campers must bring:
**Packed lunch
**Water bottle
**Snacks
**Comfortable rehearsal clothing
**Yoga mat
On performance day, pizza and treats will be provided. Opera is a "team sport" and attendance is important in building momentum; please ensure you can attend all days. Camp tuition includes themed T-shirt and option to purchase high definition DVD or download of final performance. Additional themed T-shirts can be purchased at $25 each. Space is limited. Secure your student’s place in OperaSLO’s Mikado Junior Opera Camp today.
DATES:
July 20–31, 2026
Time: Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: Mount Carmel Lutheran Church: 1701 Fredericks St in San Luis Obispo
"The Mikado Junior" Performance: July 31 at 6PM
Tuition: $545
Enrollment is limited to 30 participants
CAMP LEADERSHIP:
Camp Director Marcy Irving brings over a decade of experience as the Artistic Director of Central Coast Gilbert and Sullivan; focusing on preserving the artistic integrity and historic traditions of Gilbert and Sullivan operas. She currently teaches music at Cuesta College and has performed in many OperaSLO grand productions in addition to working with the San Luis Obispo Master Chorale, Cuesta College Concord Chorus, and other performing arts companies on the Central Coast.
Music Director Rebecca McClaflin is a company pianist at OperaSLO. She is the Principal Pianist of the Lompoc Pops Orchestra and provides musical support in a variety of live performing arts including accompanying for soloists, instrumentalists, chamber music, jazz ensembles, orchestras, choruses, symphonic pops orchestras, and musical theater.
Choreographer Luana Gerardis is the manager of the OperaSLO Children's Chorus. She oversees youth integration into mainstage productions and prepares students to meet professional performance standards. Luana has coordinated guest appearances of the OperaSLO Children's Chorus at the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, Cuesta Concord Chorus, A Charlie Brown Christmas with David Benoit, in addition to participation in all OperaSLO mainstage productions.
Acting Coach Jacy Miller is an OperaSLO Resident Artist soprano vocalist. She has appeared in many OperaSLO productions including Beauty and the Beast, Carmen, and The Wizard of Oz. She brings strong stage experience and mentorship to young performers.
Costume Designer Sherry Sparks is Principal Costume Designer for Opera San Luis Obispo. Comfortable in costume shows featuring 100-200 cast members, she is equally at hope working with kids of all ages. Her recent work at OperaSLO includes the Valkyries featured in our 2025 NYE Gala, Hansel and Gretel, and The Wizard of Oz.
MORE ABOUT OPERASLO:
Since 1985, Opera San Luis Obispo is the county's only professional opera company, and one of a few "Grand Opera" producing companies in the State of California. OperaSLO productions proudly feature full orchestras, choruses, ballet, and original, complete sets and costumes. OperaSLO complements each season with rising opera and Broadway stars of both national and international acclaim. OperaSLO is a Resident Company at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo as well as Vina Robles Amphitheatre. For more information about OperaSLO call (805) 782-7342 or visit online at www.operaslo.org
Read More