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KMFA MIDDAY CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS:

BUTLER OPERA CENTER

PREVIEW OF I CAPULETI E I MONTECCHI

Classical 89.5 welcomes the UT Butler Opera Center back to the Draylen Mason Music Studio for KMFA’s free Midday Music series, with previews of their upcoming production of Vincenzo Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 12pm.

Artists from the Butler Opera Center will perform selections from the upcoming production of Bellini’s celebrated bel canto opera ahead of its mainstage performances.

This preview concert at KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio is free and open to the public with an advance RSVP.

Vincenzo Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi brings the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet to the operatic stage through the soaring melodies and expressive vocal writing in the Italian Bel Canto tradition. The libretto by Felice Romani was a reworking of the story of Romeo and Juliet for an opera by Nicola Vaccai called Giulietta e Romeo and based on the play of the same name by Luigi Scevola written in 1818.

Against the backdrop of a bitter feud between the Capuleti and Montecchi families, Romeo and Giulietta struggle to reconcile their love with family loyalty, violence, and an arranged marriage. Bellini transforms their tragedy into an intensely lyrical opera centered on the conflict between
love and duty.

The Butler Opera Center’s full production will be presented October 16th, 18th, 23rd, and 25th at the McCullough Theatre. Tickets are available here:
https://music.utexas.edu/events/6116-i-capuleti-e-i-montecchi

FREE!

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, September 16
• Time: 12:00 p.m.
• Venue: KMFA's Draylen Mason Music Studio

Ticket Information

• Cost: FREE

Presenter Details

• Name: Butler Opera Center

This performance continues a longstanding collaboration between KMFA Classical 89.5 and the Butler Opera Center. Since 2021, the organizations have regularly partnered to present free previews of upcoming productions, introducing Austin audiences to emerging operatic artists and some of opera’s most celebrated works.
Previous collaborations have featured selections from La Bohème, The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, The Tales of Hoffmann, The Queen of Spades, La Traviata, Cinderella, and Il trittico.

Venue Details