Mayes once again sings the title role in this gripping true story with music & libretto by Tom Cipullo, based on the book by Tom Philpott. America’s longest-held prisoner of war dreams of coming home. But home is a place he will not recognize. Tom Cipullo’s Glory Denied explores the gut-wrenching saga of Col. Jim Thompson as he transitions from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the tree-lined streets of suburban America. Based on interviews collected for the 2001 chronicle by Tom Philpott, the opera Glory Denied pays witness to one solider’s journey, and to the war raging within the hearts and minds of countless returning veterans.

Mayes has previously sung the role with Nashville Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Memphis Opera and Fort Worth opera, which also produced the critically acclaimed recording.

Mayes reprises his critically acclaimed portrayal of Verdi’s famous role in this return to Nashville Opera.

Michael Mayes returns to Stuttgart to sing Thoas in Gluck’s tragic opera.

Michael Mayes reprises his acclaimed portrayal of Joseph De Rocher in Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking.

Michael Mayes makes his Norwegian debut with Bergen National Opera as he reprises his performance in the title role of Sondheim’s masterpiece.

Michael Mayes returns to Boston Lyric Opera to reprise his role in Leoncavallo’s gripping drama. David Angus conducts, and David Lefkowich directs. The cast includes Rafael Rojas, Lauren Michelle, Tobias Greenhalgh, and Omar Najmi. The performance will take place at the DCR Steriti Memorial Rink in the North End.

In addition to the moon landing of the Apollo 11, Richard Nixon's visit to Mao Tse-tung was one of the biggest media events of his time. For one week, Nixon appeared every night at prime time in the American living rooms. He himself made the reference: "We came in peace for all mankind". Not only was it mounted on a board at the landing site of Apollo 11, but Nixon also said it in his microphones prior to his flight to China. Terra incognita: the moon like the Middle Kingdom. Opera in three acts, Libretto by Alice Goodman in English with German subtitles.

He’s a convicted killer. She’s devoted her life to God. What could they possibly have to say to one another? A true story that spawned a best-selling book and an Academy Award-winning movie, Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking tells of Sister Helen Prejean and her time as spiritual advisor to Joseph de Rocher, a murderer on death row. The most performed new American opera of the 21st Century, Dead Man Walking “makes the most concentrated impact of any piece of American music theater since West Side Story.” (The Guardian).

Packed with more hit songs than any opera but Carmen, Verdi’s hot-blooded melodrama thrills with swift action, intense pathos, and multiple moments where singers shine. During a time of civil war, a mother’s love clashes with a dark secret from her past as two rival soldiers feud for the favor of a noblewoman with a secret of her own. The abundance of masterful music had audiences shouting “Viva Verdi!” after its premiere. Our grand presentation of Verdi’s masterpiece fills McCaw Hall with more than 75 cast members, imposing sets and elaborate period costumes for an unforgettable night at the opera.