Jo in Mark Adamo's 'Little Women' European Premiere

Step into a deeply moving, filmic coming-of-age world as the Young Artists of the International Opera Academy join forces with the exceptional musicians of SPECTRA and HERMESensemble for a transformative new staging of Mark Adamo’s celebrated opera Little Women.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, this intimate production follows the March sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy — as they navigate love, loss, independence and the unbreakable bonds of family in 19th-century America. Adamo’s luminous music gives these timeless themes a contemporary emotional resonance that speaks directly to today’s audiences.

In 2026, we proudly celebrate the 30th anniversary of Little Women with the world premiere of Adamo’s newly revised score, presented for the very first time in Ghent — and marking the opera’s long-awaited European premiere.

Under the refined musical direction of Stijn Saveniers and the evocative, cinematic stage direction of Ricard Soler Mallol, this production promises an immersive experience where opera, storytelling, and visual poetry fuse into something profoundly human.

Adding a rare and inspiring dimension to the project, the International Opera Academy Young Artists will work under the personal guidance of composer Mark Adamo, who will play an active role through exclusive workshops and artistic coaching. This unique mentorship offers our young performers unparalleled insight into the creation and interpretation of one of America’s most compelling contemporary operas.

For tickets and more info: https://ioacademy.be/events/mark-adamo-little-women/