The first opera, Iphigénie en Tauride, was composed in 1779 by Christoph Willibald Gluck. It is based on the renowned Greek drama Iphigenia in Tauris by Euripides, telling the compelling tale set in the Trojan War era. The story revolves around a sister whose duty compels her to kill a man, only to discover that he is her brother.

The second opera, Proving Up, had its premiere in 2016. Grammy Nominee Missy Mazzoli composed the music, and Royce Vavrek wrote the libretto based on a short story by Karen Russell. This opera provides a surreal commentary on the American dream through the narrative of a 19th-century Nebraskan homesteading family.

Iphigénie en Tauride will be staged at the Pittsburgh CAPA School Theater downtown on January 20, 23, 26, and 28, 2024.

Proving Up will be showcased at the Bitz Opera Factory in Pittsburgh’s Strip District on February 17, 20, 23, and 25, 2024.

Together, these operas not only honor the art form's heritage but also highlight its enduring relevance and power. They showcase opera's distinctive ability to weave music, singing, and stagecraft into captivating human stories.

Both operas feature the talented Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera.

Tickets for both performances can be purchased online at opera.culturaldistrict.org, by calling 412-456-6666, or in person at the Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Ave downtown. Half-price tickets are available for children and teens aged 6–18, and various discounts, including group and student discounts, are offered.