Missy Mazzoli
Royce Vavrek

Breaking the Waves

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Overview

Houston finally gets its chance to see Breaking the Waves, the critically acclaimed contemporary opera from sought-after composer-and-librettist team Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek, which made its world premiere in 2016. Adapted from the art film by Lars von Trier, the story transports audiences to 1970s Scotland, where the impressionable young Bess, part of a strict Calvinist community, wins permission to marry an outsider—the offshore oil rigger Jan. After the impatient lovers consummate their union at their own wedding, Bess embarks on a journey of sexual exploration that is tragically interrupted when Jan is paralyzed in an accident, setting off a series of shocking events that culminates in the unthinkable.  


The award-winning, boundary-pushing opera will be led by two Houston favorites, both of whom launched their high-flying careers after training with HGO’s Butler Studio: luminous soprano Lauren Snouffer as Bess, and charismatic bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as Jan. Sara Brodie directs the revival of Tom Morris’s production, with Maestro Patrick Summers conducting Mazzoli’s rich, intriguing, original score.

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Themed Performances

Under 40 Friday
Friday, May 2, 2025
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Opera Insights

Find a deeper connection with the opera with Opera Insights. Join us in the theater 45 minutes before any production for a lecture and immersive conversation.

Saturday, April 19, 2025
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Friday, May 2, 2025
Sunday, May 4, 2025

Events

Join us for events surrounding the performances, all curated to expand your connection to the production and socialize with fellow opera enthusiasts. 

Overture
Saturday, April 26, 2024

Student Study Guide

A JOURNEY TO ECSTASY