Carmen, Charlie Parker opera and Sondheim are on Indianapolis Opera's new season

A classic opera, and Indiana premiere and a Stephen Sondheim comedy that contains one of his most devastatingly beautiful songs will be on Indianapolis Opera's 2023-2024 season.

The indoor part of the mainstage season will launch with the Spanish flair of "Carmen," the 19th-century opera whose popularity endures. Spring will bring "Charlie Parker's Yardbird" to Hoosiers for the first time, with Indianapolis' Angela Brown reprising her world debut role as the jazz star's mother.

Here's the rest of the main season and special events. Season tickets are on sale now at indyopera.org.

Opera in the Park

Sept. 9 at MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park

Star Hoosier musicians — including soprano Brown, Maestro Alfred Savia, pianist Joshua Thompson, mezzo-soprano Kirsten Gunlogson and Indiana jazz vocalist Everett Greene — will perform at the free concert.

'Carmen'

Nov. 10-12 at Tarkington Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts, 3 Carter Green in Carmel

The famous "Habanera" and "Toreador Song" are among the centerpieces of the opera by Georges Bizet. In a drama filled with dancing and bull fighting, the title character seduces the soldier Don José, who in turn leaves behind his former life and love to pursue her.

'Charlie Parker’s Yardbird'

March 16, 2024 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.

Caught in a moment between life and death, jazz icon Parker returns to his New York jazz club to compose a final masterpiece. Telling the story along his path to redemption are the women in his life — including his mother — in the opera's Indiana premiere.

Coming to the ballet: 'Romeo & Juliet' and 'Snow White' are on Indianapolis Ballet's new season

'A Little Night Music'

May 3-5 at the Toby theater at Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road

Known for the famous song "Send in the Clowns," Stephen Sondheim's farcical comedy follows Desirée Armfeldt and the two married men in love with her through a country weekend full of complications.

Special events

Buy tickets at indyopera.org.

• Lobster Palooza: With a live band, singers and lobster or beef dinner. (July 15 at the Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St.)

• 21st Annual Indianapolis Opera Ball: Performances, tapas, sangria bar, casino games, silent auction and more with a Spanish theme in a nod to "Carmen." (Oct. 14 at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.)

• Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition: Indianapolis Opera will host the Indiana District for the competition that boosts the next generation of young opera singers. (Jan. 13, 2024 at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, 1230 Greyhound Lane.)

• Opera Cabaret at Union 50: The opera's resident artists will perform while guests enjoy a multi-course meal. (Feb. 21, 2024 at Union 50, 620 N. East St.)

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Carmen and a Sondheim comedy are on Indianapolis Opera's new season