Opera Mississippi in Jackson is celebrating 80 years, highlighting Mississippi’s rich history of Opera. It is the state’s only professional opera company and the ninth-oldest continuously operating opera company in the U.S., dating back to its 1945 founding. For eight decades, Opera Mississippi has worked to produce accessible, high-quality Opera, musical theatre, and popular music experiences. Over the years, Opera Mississippi has featured notable national and international artists, including its latest executive director, John Christopher Adams from Fannin, Mississippi.
A frequent performer of Opera, jazz, gospel, and musical theatre, tenor John Christopher Adams has performed on stages worldwide. In May 2025, Adams was named the first African American director the Opera has seen in its 80-year history. Adams’ journey to the highest position in Opera Mississippi began in high school.
“I kind of fell into opera really,” explained Adams. “When I was in junior high, I auditioned for my first musical when I was at Northwest Rankin, and got cast in the chorus of Hello Dolly in my eighth-grade year, and thought, Ah, that was fun!”
Adams went on to earn lead roles in high school theater, but didn’t commit to music as a career until college.
“When I started college, I was actually considering a major in mathematics at Delta State and a minor in music,” shared Adams. “And then September 11th happened, and I transitioned back to Mississippi College, and then music just took off for me.”
Adams went on to the prestigious University of Cincinnati master’s program, which accepts only 15 singers out of thousands who auditioned. Upon graduating, Adam started his professional singing career, which led him back to Mississippi.
“I was on the board of directors for Opera Mississippi before I moved back,” explained Adams. “It just so happened that it was time for a changing of the guard, if you would say, so I became development director for a few months, and then they asked me if I would be executive director, and I was more than happy to do it.”
Currently, Adams is focused on planning for the upcoming 80th anniversary of Opera Mississippi, as well as America’s 250th. The upcoming season will be an all-American season, with an American theme throughout. People can stay updated on dates and performances by visiting Opera Mississippi’s website and following its social media outlets.
“This year, we’re doing an American opera by a living composer, Dr. James Sclater. It’s called ‘The Christmas Gift.’ That’ll be our Christmas production. Then, we’re also doing a musical in the spring of 2026,” shared Adams.
Adams kicked off the American celebration with his latest personal performance. Adams headed to New Orleans to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Saints vs. 49ers game in front of 70,000-plus fans and then viewers at home.
When asked what’s next for his career, Adams responded, “I used to think that success only looks like one path. You have to end up on the Metropolitan stage in New York to be a successful opera singer, but literally every time I walk onto any stage, it becomes just my arena.”
Adams also hasn’t forgotten those who encouraged him along the way.
“When I look at my resume, Ms. Karen Streit was my theater teacher in high school, and the one who initially got me into music,” shared Adams. “Even though she passed away a few years ago to cancer, she is still on my resume because she is the one who implanted that love for theater in me. Every teacher that I’ve had, I still reach out to them. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
*Photos are courtesy of Opera Mississippi/ John Christopher Adams
