Tulsa Opera has announced a new partnership with Spotlight on Opera.

The new partnership starts in summer 2025 and will see the two organizations join forces to expand Tulsa Opera’s educational initiatives. From July 12-August 11, 40 aspiring opera singers ages 15 and up, will join with the faculty of 15 professional opera singers, pianists, conductors, and directors for an opera intensive. Participants will engage in the program for about 10 hours per day and they will be immersed in coachings, acting classes, master classes, mock auditions, and also attend classes related to the business of opera. They will then become involved in public performances throughout the month including touring a children’s opera, “The Ballad of Baby Doe.” They will also perform Act one from “La Traviata” and a gala concert of Puccini’s “Tosca.” There will be other concerts as well.

The program will be hosted by Tulsa Community College’s School of Visual and Performing Arts.

“This partnership represents a thrilling move and a logical next step in our growth,” says Cindy Sadler, Founder and Executive Director of Spotlight on Opera and Tulsa Opera’s Director of Marketing and Communications, in an official press release. “For the past 23 years, we have been fortunate to be hosted by educational institutions in Texas and Louisiana. Now our students and faculty will enjoy all the benefits of association with Oklahoma’s preeminent professional opera company. Tulsa Opera is so deeply engaged in and committed to the community, and the artists of tomorrow who we serve appreciate that focus. We are also grateful to Tulsa Community College for providing a home for our classes and performances. Tulsa is an amazing city for arts and culture. We know our students and faculty will love exploring and experiencing everything Tulsa has to offer, while contributing to the city’s vibrant culture with the best summer opera program in the region.”

“We are excited to bring Spotlight on Opera to Tulsa,” added Lori Decter Wright, General Director and CEO of Tulsa Opera. “This new partnership enables us to to better serve our community. Through this summertime expansion of our entertainment, engagement, and educational programming we are providing more access to opera not only for participants but also our patrons of all ages. Spotlight also offers local employment opportunities to students as well as seasoned professionals, introducing many from across the nation to Tulsa. We hope some of them may end up joining our Filstrup Resident Artist Company, our mainstage productions, or technical theater team.”