OPERA America has released new research findings in “Understanding Opera’s New Audiences.” The yearlong research study looked into the motivations, experiences, and barriers faced by new opera audiences nationwide in the years during and following the pandemic. The study draws on a survey of over 11,000 operagoers across 36 opera companies of all sizes, formats, and geographies in the United {…}
OPERA America President and CEO Marc A. Scorca is stepping down from his position at the end of December 2025. Scorca was hired in 1990 by then-OPERA America Chair Ardis Krainik to lead the organization. He will shift to the role of Senior Fellow for one additional year after his successor takes over in January 2026. “Next year will mark {…}
OPERA America named seven exemplary artists, administrators, and advocates to the Opera Hall of Fame as the class of 2024. The 2024 Opera Hall of Fame inductees are: Adele Addison, soprano and teacher Justino Díaz, bass-baritone and teacher Jake Heggie, composer and mentor Carol F. Henry, founding trustee and philanthropist Wayne Sanders, artist, pianist, and arts leader Sarah Billinghurst Solomon, {…}
OPERA America unveiled its 2024 National Opera Trustee Recognition Awards. The recipients this year include Maria Lagios of Chicago Opera Theater, Claire Liu of Houston Grand Opera, William Miller of Opera Columbus, Leah Solat of Annapolis Opera, and Jennifer Suh Whitfield of HERE Arts Center. Meanwhile, the Association for Opera in Canada selected Tapestry Opera’s Brian James Dawson as the {…}
Pioneering female conductor and composer Odaline de la Martinez and Joan Anim Addo’s opera “Imoinda” will be included at Opera America showcase sponsored by the US League of Composers. The Cuba-born composer who now resides in the UK was the first female conductor to conduct at the Proms. She created her own ensemble Lontano and her own record label Lorelt {…}
OPERA America has revealed its 2024-25 Onstage Season. First up is a conversation with composer Jeanine Tesori ahead of the Met Opera’s premiere of “Grounded.” Event Date: Sept. 18, 2024 Next up is a conversation with Anthony Roth Costanzo as he takes over as general director of Opera Philadelphia. Event Date: Oct. 24, 2024 In December comes the 2024 Awards for Digital {…}
(Image courtesy of OPERA America) OPERA America has announced some major leadership changes. First up, the organization revealed that Lee Anne Myslewski will be its new board chair. Myslewski, the vice president for opera and classical programming for the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, has served as Vice chair of the Board of Directors since 2022. She takes {…}
Knoxville Opera has announced that General Director and CEO Jason Hardy has joined the OPERA America Board of Directors. “Knoxville Opera has been doing great work for many years, and under Jason’s leadership the company seems destined to reach new horizons,” said Knoxville Opera Board Chair Allison Easterday in an official press release. “Jason and his team have elevated the {…}
OPERA America has announced the 2024 recipients of its Discovery Grants for Women Composers program. This year’s winners include Jasmine Arielle Barnes for “She Who Dared,” Sivan Eldar for “Nine Jewelled Deer,” Whitney George for “NO MAN’S LAND,” Rebecca Gray for “BUS Opera,” Elizabeth Hoffman for “On Circe,” Sultana Isham for “Rogue Objects,” and Dina Maccabee for “Roses Are Blue.” {…}
The Manhattan Opera Repertory Ensemble (MORE Opera) has been named as one of the recipients of OPERA America’s “NYC Opera Grants: Support for Small-Budget Companies.” The New York City-based nonprofit opera company focuses on providing vocal arts education and culturally responsive musical programming to underserved communities. The $25,000 grant will provide vital funding for MORE Opera to engage in strategic {…}
Toledo Opera has joined OPERA America’s “Opera Passport” program. The program grants ticket discounts for tickets of 10 percent or more on performances in North America. There are currently 85 companies involved in the initiative. “Our membership with OPERA America not only enhances our credibility but also opens up opportunities for collaboration, networking, and sharing best practices with other esteemed {…}