Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s Opera Fusion: New Works partnership presented a public preview of O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky on March 31, 2026, offering Cincinnati audiences an early look at an opera-ballet commissioned by Washington National Opera that has yet to receive its world premiere.

The preview was held at Cincinnati Ballet’s facility at 1801 Gilbert Avenue. The work explores the life of American painter Georgia O’Keeffe, tracing the tensions between her marriage to photographer Alfred Stieglitz and her relationship with arts patron Mabel Dodge Luhan, whose introduction to the American Southwest shaped O’Keeffe’s most enduring artistic legacy. Tickets were $15 for adults and free for full-time students with valid identification.

The creative team features GRAMMY Award-winning composer Christopher Tin and librettist Kelley Rourke, with direction by Francesca Zambello and choreography by Jessica Lang. Soprano Christine Goerke performs the role of Mabel Dodge Luhan, mezzo-soprano Natalie Corrigan takes the title role of Georgia O’Keeffe, and tenor Tristan Tournaud plays Alfred Stieglitz. Dancers from American Ballet Theatre and CCM students rounded out the cast.

Opera Fusion: New Works is a long-running collaboration between Cincinnati Opera and CCM dedicated to developing new American operas. The Washington National Opera commission will receive its full world premiere at a date to be announced. Cincinnati’s preview marked the work-in-progress showing for Midwestern audiences ahead of that premiere.

Source: Cincinnati Opera