The Sarah and Ernest Butler Performance Center in Southeast Austin has officially become the new permanent venue for Austin Opera. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a 190-seat theater, four rehearsal spaces, a conference center, and both indoor and outdoor areas designed to accommodate a variety of performances throughout the year. In addition to hosting its own productions, Austin Opera plans to make the venue available for rental to other arts organizations.
This week marks the unveiling of the performance center, coinciding with the debut of Austin Opera’s bilingual opera, Ofrenda. Annie Burridge, the general director and CEO of Austin Opera, expressed the significance of this new venue, stating, “Opening a new venue with a brand-new opera is more than a celebration — it is a statement about where Austin is going. We want this building to be filled with music, ideas, artists, audiences and community for generations to come. This is just the beginning.”
The nonprofit organization has initiated an $8.5 million fundraising campaign for the performance center, of which $6.4 million has already been secured. Previously, Austin Opera operated in rented spaces in North Austin and held performances at the Long Center for Performing Arts, which will continue to host major productions.
Ofrenda, the centerpiece of this launch, is Austin Opera’s inaugural commissioned work, created by composer Jorge Sosa and librettist John de los Santos. The opera delves into themes of family ties, cultural memories, and Dia de los Muertos traditions, narrating the story of an immigrant mother endowed with the ability to heal others. Sosa described the piece as “a story about remembrance, devotion and the power to heal,” emphasizing the sacrifices made for loved ones and the connections forged through tradition.
Ofrenda will kick off the opera’s 2026-27 season, running from October 1 to 11, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month. To celebrate the opening of the new performance center, a free community day will be held on Saturday, featuring live performances, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an invitation for the community to contribute to the creation of a Dia de los Muertos altar.
