• Extablished 1945
• Founding Member of Opera America
• The 9th oldest continuously operating opera company in the United States

The mission of Opera Mississippi is to entertain, educate, and enlighten Mississippi audiences through opera, musical theatre, and popular music experiences; to enhance Mississippi’s cultural and economic landscape by presenting accessible, high-quality performances; to identify and develop regional operatic and singing artists; and to promote the understanding and appreciation of opera through education, outreach, and audience development that reflects community awareness, connection, and culture.

Celebrating over 75 years, Opera Mississippi was founded as the Mississippi Opera Association in 1945, is a founding member of the national Opera America organization, the ninth oldest continuously operating opera company in the United States, and Mississippi’s only professional opera company. Among the remarkable singers that have graced Opera Mississippi stage, are internationally known Beverly Sills, Monserrat Caballe, Robert Merrill, James McCracken, Roberta Peters, Jan Peerce, Richard Tucker, Normal Treigle, John Alexander, Renée Fleming and many others.

We provide communities around the state with the most dynamic musical stage productions possible. In addition, activities include a variety of educational and community outreach programs including educational performances to students and a variety of other performances for citizens of all ages, including pop, jazz, country, and musical theatre cabarets. The annual John Alexander National Vocal Competition is designed to recognize and award outstanding vocalists in both opera and musical theatre and bring world-class artists from around the United States to Mississippi audiences.

Opera Mississippi is proud to be an integral part of the remarkable artistic heritage that shapes the state, and each year thousands of Mississippians and visitors attend and benefit from our quality performances.