One week remains to register for Opera America’s Opera Conference 2021 which runs from May 10th, 2021 – May 27, 2021.

The opera field will come together to discuss and address key opportunities as the industry rebuilds after devastating closures.

The conference’s first week, “Artists at the Center”  highlights significant innovations produced by individual artists during the pandemic.

Opening Session and Lead Presentation – Monday, May 10, 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. EDT

Tenor and artistic advisor, Opera Philadelphia, Lawrence Brownlee with opening remarks by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

Panel Discussion and Breakout Sessions – Wednesday, May 12, 2:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. EDT

Panelists include Ed Yim, senior vice president and chief content officer, WQXR (moderator); Willo Carey, board member, Opera Philadelphia; Sue Dixon, general director, Portland Opera; Elizabeth Cline, executive director, The Industry; Patricia Garza, director of programs and engagement, Network of Ensemble Theaters; Yuval Sharon, artistic director, The Industry and Michigan Opera Theatre; Karen Slack, soprano; artistic advisor, Portland Opera; and James Wilson, cellist, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

Breakout sessions featuring case studies from Cincinnati Opera, The Industry, Opera Philadelphia, and Portland Opera follow the panel discussion.

Happy Hour and Exhibitor Meet-Ups – Thursday, May 13, 7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.EDT

Week two, “The Politics of Art” looks at the strategies companies are implementing around social justice and inclusion and explores whether the time has come for organizations to rise as cultural activists that buttress social cohesion and vibrant communities.

Lead Presentation – Monday May 17, 2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. EDT

Dr. Christia Mercer, Gustave M. Berne Professor of Philosophy, Columbia University

Panel Discussion and Breakout Sessions – Wednesday, May 19, 2:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. EDT

Panelists include Dr. Antonio Cuyler, director of the M.A. program and associate professor of arts administration, Florida State University (moderator); Torrie Allen, president and CEO, Arts Midwest; Teresa Eyring, executive director, Theatre Communications Group; John Hoomes, CEO and artistic director, Nashville Opera; Cerise Jacobs, executive producer, White Snake Projects; Kimberly Reed, film director and producer; librettist; Reed Smith, general director, Anchorage Opera; and Tazewell Thompson, director, playwright, librettist; director of opera studies, Manhattan School of Music.

Breakout sessions featuring case studies from Long Beach Opera on “The Central Park Five,” Nashville Opera on “One Vote Won,” The Glimmerglass Festival on “Blue,” Opera Parallèle on “Harvey Milk,” Anchorage Opera on “As One,” and White Snake Projects on “Death by Life,” follow the panel discussion.

The final week focuses on the future with “Achieving the New Normal,” during which questions around indoor/outdoor events, digital programming, and accessibility will be explored with the ultimate question being whether companies can attain a “new normal” if they return to pre-pandemic ways of operating.

Lead Presentation – Monday May 24, 2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. EDT

Julian Chender, manager, Accenture; fellow, Kates Kesler Organization Consulting

Panel Discussion and Breakout Sessions – Wednesday, May 26, 2:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. EDT

Panelists include Lynette Turner, senior associate, AMS Planning and Research (moderator); Khori Dastoor, general director, Opera San José; David B. Devan, general director and president, Opera Philadelphia; Douglas McLennan, founder and editor, ArtsJournal

Breakout sessions featuring case studies Minnesota Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and Opera San José follow the panel discussion.

Closing Session – Thursday, May 27, 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. EDT

Additional details are available on Opera America’s website.