Jeanine De Bique, Peter Scott Drackley, Jennifer Zetlan, Winona Martin & Michael Adams Lead Fort Worth Opera’s 2026-27 Season

Why It Matters

The season reinforces Fort Worth Opera’s role as a cultural anchor, attracting top talent and expanding opera’s reach in the Dallas‑Fort Worth market. Its diverse programming and high‑profile artists boost regional arts visibility and audience development.

Key Takeaways

• Jeanine De Bique headlines September Prima Voce Dinner
• Peter Scott Drackley and Jennifer Zetlan star in Scalia/Ginsburg
• Winona Martin and Michael Adams lead Barber of Seville production
• 20th Marguerite McCammon Voice Competition scheduled for February 2027
• Season spans September 2026 to April 2027, showcasing diverse works

Pulse Analysis

Fort Worth Opera, now in its 81st year, continues to cement its reputation as a leading regional company by unveiling an ambitious 2026‑27 season. Under the stewardship of Angela Turner Wilson, the schedule blends classic repertoire with contemporary works, offering audiences a mix of familiar operas and new commissions. The season’s kickoff, a Prima Voce Dinner, not only showcases resident talent but also provides an intimate forum for dialogue with seasoned director Chuck Hudson, setting a tone of artistic engagement and community involvement.

Key productions spotlight emerging and established artists, elevating the company’s national profile. Trinidadian soprano Jeanine De Bique’s one‑night recital at TCU’s Van Cliburn Hall highlights the organization’s commitment to world‑class vocal talent. The North Texas premiere of Derrick Wang’s politically charged Scalia/Ginsburg, conducted by Stephanie Rhodes Russell, features Peter Scott Drackley as Justice Scalia and Jennifer Zetlan as Justice Ginsburg, underscoring the opera’s relevance to contemporary discourse. Later, Rossini’s beloved The Barber of Seville, directed by Chuck Hudson and conducted by Christian Capocaccia, brings Winona Martin and Michael Adams to the forefront, promising a fresh interpretation of the classic comedy.

Beyond performances, the season supports the next generation of singers through the 20th Biennial Marguerite McCammon Voice Competition, held at the Kimbell Art Museum’s Renzo Piano Pavilion. This event, coupled with a robust calendar that runs through April 2027, positions Fort Worth Opera as a catalyst for artistic growth and audience expansion in the region. By integrating high‑profile talent, innovative programming, and educational initiatives, the company not only sustains its legacy but also drives the broader opera ecosystem toward greater accessibility and relevance.