Awakenings
Opening Our Eyes to the World Around Us
Dive deeper into the current context and relevance of each opera with art-centered community conversations that challenge tradition, question social narratives, and invite varied perspectives. Awakenings panels include artists, academics, government, and/or business leaders of our community.
Awakenings events are free admission, and everyone is welcome.
Upcoming Events
PANELISTS
TBD
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 6:30-8:00pm
Logan Street Market
1001 S. Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40204
PANELISTS
TBD
Tuesday, March 2, 2027 6:30-7:30pm Filson Historical Society
1310 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY
PANELISTS
TBD
Wednesday, March 31, 2027 6:30-8:00pm
Louisville Public Media 619 S Fourth St, Louisville KY
Past Events
How do the arts support the care and well-being for veterans (and everyone)?
All is Calm uses the carols and popular music of the time to tell the true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 during WWI. Just as the opera leverages music to remember these men, how can we use our changed understanding of care needs to incorporate the arts into resources for veterans and active-duty service members?
PANELISTS
Elizabeth Burkhardt, MD U of L Health
Chris Millett, MM U of L School of Music
Amy Attaway Shakespeare for Veterans
David Mateja
Monday, December 1, 2025 6-7:30pm
Louisville Public Media
619 S. Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40202
How did the bourbon industry shape the economic landscape of Louisville during Prohibition?
Songbird is a comic opera about mistaken identity and love. Set in prohibition era New Orleans it offers a unique perspective into a period of time that is intrinsically enmeshed with our history here in Louisville. In this conversation we will dive into the intriguing history of Prohibition and it’s ties to Louisville’s economy.
PANELISTS
Dr. Tom Owen Archivist for Regional History, Archives, and Special Collections University of Louisville
Thomas P. O’Brien III Vice Chair, Kentucky Opera Board of Trustees
Friday, January 23, 2026 6-7:30pm
Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health
708 Magazine Street, Louisville, KY 40203
How can women in law deescalate situations where emotions are high?
Our panelists will share their experiences as lawyers, collegiality, and communication in an adversarial profession.
PANELISTS
Dr. JoAnne Sweeny U of L Associate Dean of Intellectual Life and Wyatt Tarrant Combs Professor of Law
Lonita Baker Professor of Practice at U of L Brandeis School of Law and Managing Partner of the Baker Westbrook Louisville Office
Laura Landenwich JD
Yvette De la Guardia Kentucky District Court Judge
Gretchen Hunt JD, Director of Office for Women
Friday, March 13, 2026 6-7:30pm
Louisville Public Media 619 S Fourth St, Louisville KY
What are challenges for women leaders in the community today?
La traviata is a passion-soaked tragedy in which courtesan Violetta falls in love above her class, only to have her dreams dashed by misjudgments and misogyny. Today, women leaders support and bring up other women. And while we have come far, gaps and challenges still exist.
PANELISTS
Meg Rush Women Igniting Change in Kentuckiana (WICK)
Annie Likins Bamboo Health
Elizabeth Martin Center for Women and Families
Petra Cora she/they Artist/Performer (Doll Haus Collective)
Friday, October 17, 2025 6-7:30pm
Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health
708 Magazine Street, Louisville, KY 40203
Share your questions and ideas for the panel! Send them to email@kyopera.org