IU Opera’s 2005-06 season, “Opera in Our Town,” brings a whirlwind of passion to Bloomington from near and far, starting at a farcical school for lovers in the Italy of Mozart’s time.

Cosí fan tutte (or the school for lovers): One of Mozart’s most mature and sublime operas, it is distinguished by orchestration richly imbued with horns and other wind instruments, suggesting the call of love as answered by the four main characters, as well as by a multitude of lush duets and ensembles, which emulate the emotional entanglements sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella face together. Dates: Sept 23, 24, 30 and Oct 1.

Roméo et Juliette: The title characters defy their families, a vendetta, even death, to consummate their irresistible attraction. Come experience this untarnished tragedy in a new way through the subtle and delicate music of Charles Gounod. Dates: Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: He loves her, but she doesn’t love him. Her best friend hates her because he loves her instead of her. And his friend was engaged to marry her before she ran off with him. Confused? Even the omniscient and beautiful faeries of the wood can’t unravel the romantic entanglements of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Benjamin Britten’s shimmering adaptation of the Shakespeare play. Dates: Nov. 11, 12, 18, 19.

Il Barbiere di Siviglia: Everyone tells their secrets to the hairdresser. But how often does a barber go beyond the salon and actually take your problems, in addition to your hairstyle, into his own hands? A 17th-century Spanish nobleman turns to his barber, Figaro, the Barber of Seville, to help him win the love of his secluded sweetheart. The score is by Siviglia Gioacchino Rossini. Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11

Our Town (world premiere): Based on the play by Thornton Wilder, the residents of Our Town often overlook, sometimes savor, the innumerable moments of love and loss that make up their lives. Participate in the premiere of an important new American opera by Indiana-born composer Ned Rorem. Dates: Feb. 24, 25; March 3, 4.

Carmen: A staple of the operatic repertoire, thanks to the gypsy Carmen’s tragic passions and the unforgettable music Georges Bizet created for her and her lovers, the soldier Don Jose and the bullfighter Escamillo. Dates: April 7, 8, 14, 15

Single tickets for the season are now on sale. For information, call 812-855-7433, or visit the MAC Box Office on Jordan Avenue in Bloomington. Online sales through TicketMaster are also available.