Much attention is paid to Louisiana's roots music and folk art, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The truth is Louisiana has a history of being a center of the performance and creation of fine arts. From operas and symphonies to classical ballets and works of art, you'll find superb examples of the fine arts in Louisiana.
Opera
Many of the world's most famous operas made their U.S. debut in the opera houses of New Orleans, the first of which appeared in the late 18th century. Today, the New Orleans Opera Association upholds the fine tradition. Each season, fans are offered five first-rate productions, with several performances each, combining world renown visiting talent with the New Orleans Opera's core group of performers. West on I-10 in Baton Rouge, you'll find another great opera company. The Baton Rouge Opera presents three productions each season, including national and local artists. Founded in the late 1940s, the Shreveport Opera has been entertaining audiences for six decades. The Shreveport Opera stages several different productions each season.
Orchestra
With roots dating back prior to World War I, the Rapides Symphony Orchestra is a staple of Alexandria's culture scene. The Rapides Symphony Orchestra's season runs from fall through spring, and is a perfect choice if you're seeking a stellar orchestral performance in central Louisiana. In New Orleans, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra has a devoted following, and the upstart New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, led by jazz phenom Irvin Mayfield, Jr., is turning heads around the world. The popular Lake Charles Symphony has been around for more than 70 years, offering talented musicians, world-class soloists and magnificent classics.
Ballet
The Lafayette Ballet Theater has a two-fold purpose: to entertain and to educate. Its productions have entertained ballet lovers in Cajun Country for nearly 30 years and, through its educational arm, it reaches more than 2,500 students annually through its educational program. The Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet, founded in 1973, presents several full-length classical ballet productions a year and offers affordable ticket prices. And the New Orleans Ballet Association offers a number of performances each season, featuring a variety of world-class dance companies.
Visual Arts
New Orleans has been home to countless artists, from Degas to Michalopoulos, so it's not surprising that the city has long enjoyed a vibrant art scene. In recent years, however, it has become even more so. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, which opened in New Orleans in 2003, offers permanent and temporary collections exhibiting the visual arts and culture of the American South. The nearby Contemporary Arts Center focuses on the art of today with curated exhibitions, performances and programs. In the same part of the city, an area that has come to be known as the Arts District, Julia Street is home to a number of fine art galleries offering collections of local and national artists. Across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans is a town with a bustling art all its own. Visit Covington and browse the art galleries and shops in its quaint, historic downtown area. In Natchitoches, you'll find a National Historic Landmark District centered around Front Street, a popular destination full of museums, art galleries, as well as historic sites and great shopping and dining.
There is so much to see and do in Louisiana. Here are a few ideas to get you started.