Mid-Columbia Opera

10/18/2026

🎶 VOICES BECOMING AN ENSEMBLE

Scores open. Italian text marked. Rhythms coming together.

Our Adult and Youth Choruses have been hard at work with Chorusmaster Justin Raffa preparing the bustling world of Act II.

Opera may culminate in performance—but it is built in rooms like this, one rehearsal at a time.

Individual gifts help support the professional artists, musicians and production team turning all of these separate pieces into one living story. Whatever amount is meaningful to you, you can be part of what brings La Bohème to the stage.

❤️ Be part of the story: https://givebutter.com/be-part-of-the-story

Here's a peek inside.

10/18/2026

🎶 Think you’ve never heard Handel’s Messiah?

You might be surprised.

From the jubilant “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” to the unmistakable “Hallelujah” Chorus, Messiah contains some of the most recognizable music ever written.

But there’s a big difference between recognizing it…

…and hearing it performed live by chorus, orchestra and soloists.

✨ Experience it for yourself December 4 & 5.

Bethel Church · Richland
🎟️ 🎶 Think you’ve never heard Handel’s Messiah?

You might be surprised.

From the jubilant “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” to the unmistakable “Hallelujah” Chorus, Messiah contains some of the most recognizable music ever written.

But there’s a big difference between recognizing it…

…and hearing it performed live by chorus, orchestra and soloists.

✨ Experience it for yourself December 4 & 5.

Bethel Church · Richland

🎟️ https://givebutter.com/handels-messiah-FRIDAY-EVENING
🎟️ https://givebutter.com/handels-messiah-SATURDAY

10/17/2026

🎄A favorite holiday tradition is coming back!🎶

Join Mid-Columbia Opera for our Holiday Concert & Sing-Along at Emerald of Siam on Saturday, November 28, from 5–8 PM. Enjoy performances by MCO artists and join in familiar holiday favorites—or simply listen and enjoy. All ages are welcome!
Emerald of Siam, Richland

Ticket and reservation details: https://emerald-of-siam.turntabletickets.com/shows/13516/2026-11-28

10/16/2026

🌟 MEET COLLINE — MAX MENDEZ

Philosopher. Friend. Owner of one very famous overcoat.

Bass-baritone Max Mendez joins Mid-Columbia Opera as Colline.

In an opera filled with enormous emotions, one of Puccini's most quietly devastating moments belongs to Colline and his beloved coat.

We won't tell you more.

10/14/2026

OPERANEWS Tri-Cities - October 2026

October 2026 Edition

10/14/2026

🌟 MEET SCHAUNARD — JOHN GOERTZEN

Every group of friends needs the person who walks through the door and changes the mood.

Meet Schaunard.

Bass-baritone John Goertzen joins our band of bohemians as the musician of the group.
November 20 & 21.

10/10/2026

🌟 MEET MUSETTA — MITZI HOLMES

Magnetic. Independent. Impossible to ignore.

When Musetta enters Café Momus, she knows exactly whose attention she wants—and exactly how she's going to get it.

Soprano Mitzi Holmes sings Musetta, including one of opera's most recognizable showstoppers, Quando me'n vo'.

10/10/2026

❤️ You filled the house. Twice.

Last December, both performances of Mid-Columbia Opera’s Messiah sold out.

This year, the tradition returns—this time at Bethel Church in Richland, where a 34-voice chamber chorus, professional orchestra and four soloists will fill this beautiful space with some of Handel’s most glorious music.

If you joined us last year, we’d love to welcome you back.

And if you’ve never experienced Messiah live, perhaps this is the year to begin a new holiday tradition.

December 4 & 5 · Bethel Church · Richland

🎟️ https://givebutter.com/handels-messiah-FRIDAY-EVENING
🎟️https://givebutter.com/handels-messiah-SATURDAY

10/09/2026

🎼 MEET THE CONDUCTOR — BERNARD KWIRAM

Behind every moment of La Bohème is Puccini's remarkable score.

Bringing those voices and instruments together will be conductor Bernard Kwiram.

From the intimacy of Mimì and Rodolfo's first meeting to the glorious bustle of Café Momus, Puccini's orchestra is never merely accompaniment—it is part of the storytelling.

This November, Bernie leads our singers and live chamber orchestra through one of opera's great scores.

10/09/2026

All best to our friends at Tacoma Opera on their performances this weekend...and a shout-out to our shared Maestro, Bernard Kwiram! 🎶