Pennsylvania, PA  — Opera Philadelphia’s 2026-2027 Season launches in September with the Philadelphia premiere of Mitridate, re di Ponto, an early career triumph for composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who completed the opera when he was just 14 years old. Three performances of the Italian opera are presented on September 9, 10, and 13. Pick Your Price tickets starting at $11 are available at operaphila.org or by calling 215.732.8400. 

“It’s exciting to be able to introduce audiences to a Mozart opera that nobody knows,” says director Emma Griffin, who likens the story to the HBO hit Succession. Her new production stars celebrated tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the titular king, with General Director and countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as his “bad” son Farnace and soprano Meredith Wohlgemuth as the younger son, Sifare. Glittering soprano Lauren Snouffer portrays Aspasia, the woman all three love.

“I’m thrilled to return to Opera Philadelphia to take on the title role of Mitridate for the second time,” Brownlee said. “It’s a remarkable work, and I’m excited to rediscover it with such a phenomenal cast. This production is especially meaningful to me because it reflects the unique partnership I share with the company. As a member of the Board of Directors, I have the privilege of performing alongside our General Director, Anthony Roth Costanzo, under the leadership of our Music Director, my dear friend and colleague Corrado Rovaris. Collaborations like this embody the spirit of Opera Philadelphia and make the experience all the more special.”