Union Avenue Opera | St. Louis, Missouri

Union Avenue Opera’s 31st Festival Season Will Go On

We are writing with heartfelt gratitude and important news: Union Avenue Opera’s 31st Festival Season will move forward this summer, as planned.

Following approval from the structural engineer, we have received the go-ahead to begin hanging the lighting grid in the sanctuary at Union Avenue Christian Church. This critical step allows us to continue preparing for opening night on July 5.

Since the May 16 storm that tore through our city, UAO and UACC have been working tirelessly to assess the damage and protect the building. A large number of windows were damaged throughout the facility, including two of the three stained-glass rosette windows in the sanctuary and all three windows in our costume shop. Fortunately, none of the lower stained-glass windows in the sanctuary were affected.

While the building and neighborhood may look different when you return this summer, the spirit of this place remains as strong as ever. We owe enormous thanks to the incredible team at Union Avenue Christian Church. Their fast action and tireless work have made it possible for us to move forward.

Our hearts remain with our neighbors and the greater St. Louis community as they continue to heal and rebuild. We are incredibly proud to be part of this city and grateful to stand alongside those who are still recovering.

Thank you for being part of the Union Avenue Opera family. We can’t wait to welcome you home for an unforgettable season of summer opera.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

We wanted to share an update with you following the devastating storms that swept through St. Louis late last week. As many of you may have heard, Union Avenue Christian Church, our longtime home and the heart of Union Avenue Opera, sustained significant damage.

More than 40 windows were broken throughout the building, including two of the stained-glass rosettes in the sanctuary and all three windows in our costume shop. Additionally, a 40×60-foot section of the sanctuary roof was torn away. Thanks to quick action by the church’s team, a temporary roof is already in place and windows have been boarded up to protect the building.

We are incredibly grateful that no one was injured and that the damage, while substantial, has not dampened our resolve. Our hope, our desire, and our full intention is to present our 31st Festival Season in our home as planned. Opening night is in just 45 days.

At this moment, we are waiting on a few structural repairs and to hear from a structural engineer before we proceed with installing lighting and production elements in the sanctuary. Once we know more, we will have a better sense of how the season will take shape.

Many of you have reached out with offers to help, and we are so thankful for your support. Right now, the church has a solid handle on the situation and is coordinating all repairs and logistics. If volunteer help is needed in the coming weeks, we will be sure to share those opportunities.

We stand with our neighbors and the broader St. Louis community who have been so deeply affected by this storm. Many of our nearby patrons are still in the midst of cleaning up, and as a result, we find ourselves in need of additional host families for our visiting artists this summer. We want to be mindful not to add stress to those already dealing with recovery. If you or someone you know might be interested in offering a home, please click here to learn more about hosting an artist.

If you are looking for ways to support the broader St. Louis community during this time, here is a helpful list of local tornado relief resources.

In the meantime, tickets are still on sale for our 2025 Festival Season, and we cannot wait to share it with you, however it may take shape. We will continue to keep you updated via email with major developments, but the best way to stay up to date is by following us on Facebook and Instagram where we will be posting photos, updates, and behind-the-scenes looks as we move forward.

Thank you for being part of our Union Avenue Opera family. Your support keeps us singing, even in the storm.

Monday, May 19, 2025, 11:15 AM
We’re on site today continuing to assess the damage at UACC and taking the steps toward recovery. While there’s still work to be done, we’re feeling hopeful and optimistic that we’ll be able to move forward with our 31st Festival Season right here at UAO. We expect to know more in the coming days and will keep you updated as best we can.

Thank you to everyone who has checked in on us. We have felt your support, and it means the world. We’re here with our community and holding close all those who are facing the challenges of storm recovery.

Please note: The phones are a bit spotty, and reception is pretty poor. If you need to reach us, email is the best way for now: info@unionavenueopera.org

Friday, May 16, 2025, 4:26 PM
Earlier today, the historic Union Avenue Christian Church, our home of thirty years, sustained significant damage during the severe weather event that impacted the St. Louis area.

We are incredibly grateful to report that all UAO staff and others who were in the building are safe. At this time, we are still assessing the full extent of the damage.

We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate the coming days. More updates will follow as we learn more.

Thank you for your continued support of UAO.

Union Avenue Opera’s 31st Festival Season Will Go On

Welcome to Season Thirty-One