Wilmington Concert Opera strives to serve the greater Wilmington, Delaware community by prioritizing the hiring of local musicians to provide high-level performance opportunities. The free performances in West Center City, adjacent to the economically-disadvantaged Arts District, provide opportunities for the community to experience a family-friendly version of a traditionally expensive art form.
“Loksi' Shaali'“ is a new opera which tells the story of how the Chickasaw people received turtle shells for stomp dancing and ceremonies. The first opera to be sung and premiered entirely in a US tribal language, Wilmington Concert Opera brings together principals from the world premiere, as well as new local or Indigenous singers to round out the cast. This groundbreaking work is created by composer/librettist Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, with Chickasaw translation by Joshua D. “Lokosh” Hinson. WCO will showcase highlights from the opera, and will feature operatic singers of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Mvskoke, Pueblo of Acoma, Taíno, and Tiwa Nations and heritages. Wilmington Concert Opera, a women and minority founded and run company, focuses on accessibility and inclusion, and is proud to produce the Delaware premiere of music from Loksi' Shaali'. Performances are to be held at Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 719 N. Shipley St. Wilmington, DE 19801. Performance Dates are May 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM and May 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Both concerts are open to the public. Tickets for the May 14th performance are available to Opera America Conference attendees through Opera America, and all other patrons may donate at the door for admission.
Join a fabulous cast of new and old WCO performers for Les contes d’Hoffmann, a tour of Paris through the literary works of E. T. A. Hoffmann and the sparkling music of Offenbach. Our first opera in French, it is a story of fantasy, intrigue, and delightful musical moments that will leave you humming. Sunday’s matinee performance features themed craft activities at 2:00 PM for one and all, followed by a sensory friendly performance at 3:00 PM, with snacks, fidgets, and break space provided for all ages.