The Atlanta Opera’s initiative to recognize military veterans with engagement programs and free tickets to the company’s mainstage productions has received a Luminary Award for Community Engagement from ArtsATL.

The Luminary Awards are known as Atlanta’s premier arts honors, celebrating the social impact, diversity, innovation, leadership, and generosity of the city’s creative community.  Since 2015 the Home Depot Foundation has been The Atlanta Opera’s partner.

In a press statement Tomer Zvulum, General and Artistic Director of the company noted, “Opera – all arts, for that matter – exist to connect with different people and communities. Our Veterans Program initiative is a part of our effort to connect with our veterans, tell their stories, invite them in and thank them for their service to our country.”

The Atlanta Opera began its Veterans Program in 2015 with the production of the chamber opera “Soldier Songs” by David T. Little. For that production, the company gave away  750 tickets to veterans and in 2016, it continued the program with ‘Silent Night.” During the 2017-18 season, The Atlanta Opera giving away 2,600 tickets for “la Fille du Regiment.”

The Luminary Award marks the second time The Atlanta Opera’s audience-focused initiatives is recognized. In 2016, the company was nominated for an International Opera Award in the accessibility category.