The Performing Arts

New Orleans has historically been a center for all sorts of culture, especially the performing arts. In its cultural heyday, it had a thriving classical-music community, many theaters, and what may have been the first opera house on the continent. Today, after a period in which the high arts were at a pretty low ebb, things are on the mend. There are a number of local theaters and repertory groups; you'll find opera, symphony orchestras, chamber groups, ballet, and modern dance in the city; and some very good traveling musical theater companies also make their way to town, though until more performance spaces reopen, numbers remain diminished. Note that ticket prices vary widely according to performance, and events are sometimes sold out; if you're interested in attending something specific, plan ahead.

Performing Arts Companies

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 $30.

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 throughout the season. Check the newspapers for current performances. The ballet's season generally runs from September through April, though offerings have been more limited since Katrina.

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 $11. Performances take place at various locales ranging from a church to halls at Loyola and Tulane to the convention center.

Major Concert Halls & Auditoriums

The gorgeous Saenger Theatre (only just restored to its Renaissance Florentine glory), Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, and the Municipal Auditorium locations sustained damage during the storm and are closed for the foreseeable future.

Theaters

In addition to the listings here, possibilities for theatrical performances and concerts include True Brew Cafe and Theater (tel. 504/524-8441) and other unexpected locals. Check local listings for events.