Omaha’s mayor Jean Stothert has declared that Nov. 1, 2019 is Opera Omaha Day.

The appointment comes as Opera Omaha kicks off Opera America’s 50^th Anniversary Tour with its own community celebration in co-presentation with OPERA America. The event will feature OPERA America’s own president Marc Scorca who will honor Opera Omaha’s notable accomplishments as a leader in the field. There will also be a panel discussion featuring Opera Omaha’s general director Roger Weitz, former executive director Jane Hill and former artistic director Hal France.

“Opera Omaha contributes to vibrant quality of life in Omaha,” stated Stothert in her proclamation. “And whereas through valuable partnerships, Opera Omaha provides education and arts experiences to community organizations, schools and neighborhoods where participants learn that opera tells stories through music.”

Following the celebration, the company will open its 2019-20 season with a production of “Madama Butterfly;” there will be a subsequent showcase of the famed Puccini opera on the following Sunday. The production will be directed by Jun Kaneko and will take place at the Orpheum Theatre.