The San Fernando Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and LA Opera present    Opera Noir   — A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Excellence

(Los Angeles) February 11, 2026 — The San Fernando Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., in collaboration with LA Opera and the LA Opera Ambassadors, invites audiences to Opera Noir on February 28, an evening of elegance, cultural pride, and artistic excellence that celebrates Black artistry, legacy, and belonging within the world of opera.

Timed to coincide with the close of Black History Month, Opera Noir reflects a shared commitment to more than representation alone. Together, the San Fernando Valley chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and LA Opera seek to expand who feels welcomed into the opera house, who sees themselves reflected in its stories and artists, and who feels a sense of ownership and connection to one of Los Angeles’ most storied cultural institutions. Opera Noir is about cultivating access, honoring cultural contributions, and affirming that opera is a living art form shaped by the full breadth of the city it serves.

The evening will feature LA Opera's opening night of Philip Glass’s Akhnaten at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, headlined by acclaimed countertenor John Holiday, one of the most celebrated voices of his generation. Akhnaten tells the story of a visionary Egyptian pharaoh who dared to imagine a new world order, brought to life through Glass’s hypnotic score and a visually stunning production praised by critics and audiences alike.

In the spirit of celebration and collective pride, attendees are warmly encouraged to rep their colors — whether from Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, HBCUs, The Links, or Jack and Jill of America, Inc. This is a night to celebrate shared heritage, excellence, and the many paths that lead communities to the arts.

“Opera Noir is about belonging and about creating space where culture, excellence, and community intersect,” shared representatives from the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. “We are proud to partner with LA Opera to help build audiences, traditions, and pathways that reflect both the legacy and the future of this city.”

Opera has always been shaped by Black artistry, innovation, and influence, and LA Opera celebrates that legacy year-round.

Performance Details
Opera:   Akhnaten by Philip Glass
Date: February 28, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90012)
Running time: approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including two intermissions
For more information, visit LAOpera.org/Akhnaten.

About the LA Opera Legacy Ambassador Program
Now in its third season, the LA Opera Legacy Ambassador Program builds authentic, long-standing relationships between LA Opera and the many communities that make Los Angeles extraordinary. Led by Co-Chairs Shanique Bonelli-Moore and Norm Nixon, the 2025/26 Ambassadors include Nicole Lyn, Jaime Dominguez, Bel Hernandez Castillo, Bozoma Saint John, Amanda Sudano Ramirez, and Abner Ramirez.

About the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
The 2x Five-Star, Sensational San Fernando Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is part of a national organization dedicated to nurturing future leaders through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic engagement. The Chapter proudly partners with cultural institutions like LA Opera to create experiences that strengthen community, celebrate excellence, and expand access to the arts for families across Los Angeles.

About LA Opera
Los Angeles is a city of enormous diversity and creativity, and LA Opera is dedicated to reflecting that vibrancy by redefining what opera can be. Through imaginative new productions, world premiere commissions, and inventive performances that preserve foundational works while making them feel fresh and compelling, LA Opera has become one of America’s most exciting and ambitious opera companies.

In addition to its mainstage performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the company explores unusual repertoire each season through the LA Opera Off Grand initiative, featuring performances in a variety of venues throughout Los Angeles. The LA Opera Connects initiative offers a robust variety of educational programming and community engagement offerings that reaches people throughout every corner of Los Angeles County. Learn more at LAOpera.org.

LA Opera Media Contact
Marlene Meraz
Director of Communications
mmeraz@laopera.org
213.972.7554

LA Opera is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the greater Los Angeles community.