Charleston Opera Theater (COT) has announced its 2026-27 season, and tickets are now on sale. COT is inviting audiences to experience the power of the human voice through two distinct mainstage productions and a series of special events throughout the Lowcountry.
The season opens with “The Singers Table: An Operatic Cabaret” on Nov. 13, 14 and 15 at the historic College of Charleston Sottile Theatre.
“Professional singers will share the music and stories that inspired them to pursue the rigorous life of an opera singer,” said Harold Meers, founder and artistic director. “Starring Shannon Jennings (last seen in Charleston as Mimi in our 2024 production of ‘La Bohème’), Andrew Potter, Kenneth Stavert and a host of other familiar COT voices.”
Join these celebrated singers with your seat on stage for an evening you won’t soon forget.
The season culminates with Giuseppe Verdi’s “La traviata” on April 1 and 4, 2027, again at the College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, performed in partnership with the Charleston Symphony.
One of opera’s most beloved masterpieces, “La traviata” tells the tragic story of Violetta Valéry and Alfredo Germont through Verdi’s soaring music and deeply human storytelling.
“This moving opera contains some of Verdi’s most beautiful music and will feature rising star soprano Suzanne Burgess in the title role of Violetta,” Meers said of the new production, which he will direct.
“This season offers two very different ways to experience the extraordinary power of the human voice,” said Edward Brennan, general director of Charleston Opera Theater. “From the intimacy of ‘The Singers Table’ to the grand full staging of ‘La traviata’ with the Charleston Symphony in the pit, we’re excited to engage and elevate our community with another season of exceptional opera.”
Special Events
COT will kick off the season with two special events this fall.
Cocktails for a Cause, on Oct. 6 at The Harbour Club at WestEdge, will feature live performances, light hors d’oeuvres and drinks from a cash bar. The celebration will support the upcoming season, with 50% of ticket proceeds going directly to COT.
On Oct. 25, COT will present “Opera on the Half Shell” at Sheldon Farms on Wadmalaw Island, just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston. The afternoon oyster roast will feature live opera performances, oysters, chili, hot dogs, drinks and fellowship.
“Opera on the Half Shell” is this season’s cornerstone fundraising event for Charleston Opera Theater, and proceeds will support the season’s programming. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and interested parties should contact Brennan for more information.
Together, these events offer audiences an opportunity to gather, celebrate and support professional opera in Charleston.
2026-27 Season
Cocktails for a Cause
Oct. 6, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. | The Harbour Club at WestEdge
Opera on the Half Shell
Oct. 25, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. | Sheldon Farms, Wadmalaw Island
“The Singers Table: An Operatic Cabaret”
Nov. 13 at 8 p.m., Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 5 p.m.
College of Charleston Sottile Theatre
Tickets are available through the George Street Box Office or by calling 843-953-4726.
“La traviata”
April 1, 2027, at 7 p.m. and April 4 at 1:30 p.m.
College of Charleston Sottile Theatre
Presented in partnership with the Charleston Symphony
Tickets are available through the George Street Box Office or by calling 843-953-4726.
Additional information about both mainstage performances and tickets is available at CharlestonOperaTheater.org or through the George Street Box Office.