The Performing Arts

In addition to the resources below, culture vultures may want to see what the local universities have on tap: Check Loyola's website at www.loyno.edu/calendar and Tulane's at http://tulane.edu/calendar. We're awfully hopeful that the extensive renovations of the once-glorious Saenger Theatre (143 N. Rampart St. at Canal; tel. 504/525-1052; www.thesaengertheatre.com) will be completed by mid- to late 2012.

Opera

It wasn't until 1943 that the New Orleans Opera Association (tel. 504/529-2278; www.neworleansopera.org) was formed. They present several operas a season. Stars from New York's Metropolitan Opera Company frequently appear in leading roles, supported by talented local voices. The Met's touring company occasionally performs here, too. For most performances, seats start at $20. Performances are at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, 801 Rampart St. (enter from Basin St.).

Dance

The New Orleans Ballet Association (tel. 504/522-0996; www.nobadance.com) presents excellent dance programs and runs a much-lauded educational program. Visiting dance companies, including some top names, perform regularly. Check the newspapers for current performances. The ballet's season generally runs from September through April. Performances are at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, 801 Rampart St. (enter from Basin St.) or NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St.

Classical Music

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (tel. 504/523-6530; www.lpomusic.com) plays a subscription series of concerts during the fall-to-spring season and offers pops concerts on weekends in June and July; tickets start at $10. Performances take place at various locales including City Park, a suburban church, halls at Loyola and Tulane, and the Mahalia Jackson Theater.