(Credit: Courtesy of Opera Colorado)

Opera Colorado has announced that Greg Carpenter, the company’s Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director has resigned. The resignation will be effective after the 2024-25 Season.

The departure will mark the end of an era for the company, during which time Carpenter made significant contributions to
the growth and artistic development of the organization.

Carpenter began his work the company in 2004 as Director of Development and later became General & Artistic Director in 2007. His tenure was marked by a commitment to innovative programming, including the world premieres of Lori Laitman’s “The Scarlet Letter” and Gerald Cohen’s “Steal A Pencil for Me,” as well as six new works and several “firsts” in the company’s history.

Under his leadership the company showcased Tom Cipullo’s one-act operas “After Life” and “Josephine,” Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s “The Shining,” and Korngold’s “Die tote Stadt.”

In addition to the artistic vision, Carpenter strengthened Opera Colorado’s financial and organizational foundations and established a professional fundraising department, resulting in a five-fold increase in the company’s endowment. He also helped in the creation of the Opera Colorado Opera Center, which unified the company’s administrative and rehearsal facilities.

In a statement, Board Chair Richard Koseff said, “On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Greg for his tireless dedication, his visionary leadership, and the indelible mark he has left on Opera Colorado. His
contributions will be felt for many years to come.”

Regarding his resignation Carpenter said, “As I approach my twentieth anniversary with Opera Colorado, I believe that the time is right for a change in leadership, enabling the Board of Directors to establish a new vision for Opera Colorado and hire a new General Director that will bring that vision to life during this new chapter. My tenure at Opera Colorado has been one of the most rewarding periods in my life. It has been an honor and a pleasure serving this company and community.”