UT Opera Theatre
2024 – 2025 UT Opera Theatre Season
Dialogues of the Carmelites (Dialogues des Carmélites) by Francis Poulenc
Based on the screenplay Dialogues des Carmélites by Georges Bernanos, which itself draws inspiration from the novella Die Letzte am Schafott by Gertrud von Le Fort, and rooted in the 1794 historical events of the Martyrs of Compiègne. This powerful opera in three acts sung in French with English language super titles is a fictionalized version of the true story of the Martyrs of Compiègne.
Dates & Ticket Information
Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $5.00 for students. Seating is General Admission. All performances are held at the historic Bijou Theater in downtown Knoxville.
Friday, April 25 at 7:30 PM | Tickets
Saturday, April 26 at 2:30 PM | Tickets
Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 PM | Tickets
Sunday, April 27 at 2:30 PM | Tickets
Discover the Art of Opera at the University of Tennessee
At the University of Tennessee Opera Theater, we bring stories to life through breathtaking music, passionate performances, and world-class training.
For aspiring opera singers, our program offers a dynamic environment where you’ll refine your craft with expert faculty, gain extensive stage experience, and collaborate with talented musicians in fully staged productions.
For our audiences, each performance is a chance to witness the next generation of operatic talent in action. Whether you dream of taking center stage or immersing yourself in the magic of live opera, UT Opera Theater invites you to be a part of the experience.
About the UT Opera
At the University of Tennessee Opera Theater, we are dedicated to developing the next generation of opera professionals. Our comprehensive training program builds a strong technical foundation in voice, acting, movement, diction, and stagecraft, equipping you for a successful and fulfilling career. We emphasize self-motivation, artistic excellence, and the role of opera in the community.
As a UT Opera Theater student, you’ll gain extensive performance experience in fully staged productions and have opportunities to collaborate with Knoxville Opera, Marble City Opera, and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. You’ll also engage in outreach programs, perform at high-profile university events, and serve as an ambassador for opera. With professional-caliber productions and a supportive artistic environment, UT Opera Theater is where your passion meets opportunity.
About the Knoxville Opera Studio
Knoxville Opera Studio (KOS) is the bridge that joins the Knoxville Opera and the University of Tennessee’s graduate vocal performance program. This training program offers a professional operatic experience to developing singers and brings them into contact with active artists in the professional operatic world.
Knoxville Opera provides KOS students with vocal and dramatic coachings, masterclasses, and seminars from leading industry professionals. Studio members perform in Knoxville Opera mainstage productions and may be invited to perform at community events or other outreach performances as ambassadors of UT and Knoxville Opera. This program is designed to work seamlessly with the student’s academic schedules and is intended to enhance the academic study and training they receive at UT.
About the Venue
The historic Bijou Theatre serves as a captivating stage for our opera performances. With its rich heritage and stunning architecture right in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Bijou provides the perfect setting for bringing operatic stories to life. Our students and faculty deliver compelling productions that blend powerful music with dramatic storytelling, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences. At the Bijou, the timeless art of opera finds a home where tradition and creativity come together.
Meet our UT Opera Faculty
Kevin Class
Director of Collaborative Piano, Music Director of Opera Theatre
Eileen Downey
Distinguished Lecturer of Collaborative Piano and Vocal Coach
Renée Tatum
Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Voice
Knoxville: A Vibrant Hub for Arts, Culture, and Opportunity
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, TN, offers the perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Home to a thriving arts scene, world-class music, and a welcoming community, Knoxville provides endless opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and students alike. With a cost of living lower than the national average and a rich cultural landscape—including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Big Ears Festival, and Market Square’s lively events – Knoxville is an inspiring place to live, work, and grow. Whether you’re exploring outdoor adventures along the Tennessee River, engaging with the city’s dynamic music industry, or taking in its historic charm, Knoxville is a city that fosters creativity and connection.