The new season will kick off with a live concert performance and screening of Ghostbusters.

In this celebratory season, audiences will hear two twentieth-century operas and three world premieres across COT’s full slate of mainstage and special programming.

The lineup represents the “most ambitious season in recent history,” according to executive director Declan McGovern.

WFMT talks with the outspoken mezzo-soprano about what it means to take on the role of Carmen, why she’s excited to open the COT season, and how modern-day audiences and artists can best confront the more outdated aspects of Carmen and other beloved operas.

The ensemble’s return to live performance features four programs which all will be conducted by artistic director and principal conductor Scott Speck.