Walking Tour – A History of Opera in Charleston

Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera is proud to present a unique walking tour highlighting the history of opera in Charleston.

This 90-minute walking tour through the heart of historic downtown will include stops at many iconic locations while giving you the opportunity to experience the Holy City from a new perspective. The tour begins on the corner of East Bay and Tradd Street—the site that inspired Catfish Row in Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess. We’ll visit the home of the playwrights Dorothy and Dubose Heyward, as well as dwell for a moment at Church and Broad Street- the spot where opera was first performed in America!

And that’s just the beginning! Join us and discover how important and constant opera has been throughout history in Charleston. You’ll learn about the world’s first megastar (an opera singer!) and local personalities, as well as piano parlors, traveling opera troupes, and more!