7 Amazing Opera Companies in the United States

7 Amazing Opera Companies in the United States

8 Great Operas On Film

1. The Magic Flute (1975)
2. Porgy and Bess (1959)
3. The Mikado (1939)
4. Madame Butterfly (1995)
5. Carmen (1984)
6. Don Giovanni (1979)
7. The Pirates of Penzance (1983)
8. Pagliacci (1982)

Fun Activities for Music Lovers

• Go to the opera
• Learn an instrument, like piano or guitar
• Get a decorative music box for your home
• Go to a concert or symphony
• Take your music on-the-go with a pair of headphones or a portable speaker
• Learn more about music theory
• Invite your friends over to listen to records

A Brief History of Opera

In Depth

Although many people imagine it as old-fashioned, opera is a living art form that evolves with our culture. Unfortunately, not everyone can attend opera performances, access art education, or find the resources to purchase tickets. However, there are opera companies committed to not only putting on spectacular performances, but making opera accessible and relevant to their communities. Whether through educational outreach, community performances, or the creation of new operas, here are eight opera companies dedicated to enriching and contributing to their communities, and the opera field overall.

Starting off the list at #1 is Opera America, which has been working since 1970 to support the creation, presentation and enjoyment of opera. Its international membership includes over 150 professional members, 300 business members, two thousand individual members, and over sixteen thousand subscribers to its electronic news service. Opera America provides its members with tools and research to help them expand the scope of their repertoire and programs, reach new and diverse audiences, and improve their operational effectiveness. According to Charity Navigator, O.A. spends 81.5% of its revenue on its services and programs.

In addition to its membership services, Opera America represents the interests of the opera community before federal branches of government and agencies. As a founding member of the Performing Arts Alliance, O.A. works with the performing arts field to advocate for government support of the arts in the United States. It also runs the Women's Opera Network, which provides mentorship, resources, and information to women in the field of opera. Finally, it founded the National Opera Center in 2012 in order to create a dedicated space for public programs, auditions, recitals, rehearsals, recording sessions and meetings. Opera America welcomes donations and new members.

As a founding member of the Performing Arts Alliance, O.A. works with the performing arts field to advocate for government support of the arts in the United States.

In the #2 spot is Opera Colorado. Originally the dream-child of a group of local opera fans, it has brought world-class opera to Denver and Colorado since its founding in 1981. O.C. is dedicated to enriching people's quality of life through the presentation of inspirational opera performances, and community service through educational and cultural programs. For over 35 years, the organization has worked to present conventional performances and innovative re-stagings, and bring renowned and emerging talent to Denver. By 2017, O.C. had staged two world premieres to great acclaim.

Opera Colorado's education and outreach work is extensive, and focuses on five initiatives: first, its artist-in-residence program; second, its in-school programs; third, its field trip programs; fourth, its adult education and community events; fifth, its online resources, including downloadable opera guidebooks and an active company blog. Anyone interested in supporting the opera house can attend a performance or community event, purchase a season subscription, donate, attend a fundraiser, or volunteer.

Coming in at #3 is Cincinnati Opera. Founded in 1920, this opera company is one of the oldest in the United States. The C.O. is known for its partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and its performance venue the Cincinnati Music Hall, a 3,417-seat theater listed as a National Historic Landmark. The Cincinnati Opera's mission is to enrich and connect its community through diverse opera experiences, and it does so by offering high-quality productions and a wide range of community programming.

The C.O. is known for its partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and its performance venue the Cincinnati Music Hall, a 3,417-seat theater listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The C.O. supports its artistic mandate through its work building partnerships with many of the world's leading singers and conductors, developing new productions through its Opera Fusion: New Works partnership with the University of Cincinnati, and its many collaborations with regional churches and temples through its "Opera Goes to Church!" and "Opera Goes to Temple!" programs. Its community programming focuses on educational activities in primary and secondary schools, public events, a podcast, opera ambassador's guild for C.O. enthusiasts, and university collaborations. Interested supporters can attend the opera, donate, or contribute to its New Century campaign.

At #4 is Opera Carolina. Originally founded and run by volunteers, O.C.'s commitment to enriching the lives of people from all walks of life is deeply rooted in its history. Founded in 1948 by the Charlotte Music Club, the organization was community-run for decades. For years, volunteers designed sets, built costumes, sang in the chorus, performed leading roles, sold tickets, and held fundraisers. Now, over fifteen thousand people attend its main stage performances annually. Additionally, Opera Carolina reaches an annual average of seventeen counties in the Carolinas through its educational programs, serving over 70,000 people in North and South Carolina each year.

These educational programs have been a mainstay of O.C. for more than 40 years, and now include: student night at the opera; the Opera Carolina Academy; Partnership C.M.S., an in-school educational and curricular development residency; and Opera Xpress, a program that shares and teaches live, musical storytelling with students, teachers, and families. Opera Carolina offers a number of ways to become involved, including attending its performances, making donations, and joining one of its membership groups.

These educational programs have been a mainstay of O.C. for more than 40 years, and now include: student night at the opera; the Opera Carolina Academy; Partnership C.M.S., an in-school educational and curricular development residency; and Opera Xpress, a program that shares and teaches live, musical storytelling with students, teachers, and families.

Coming in at #6 is Houston Grand Opera. The H.G.O.'s vision is to inspire opera's future, and it works towards this through its work nurturing young performers, commissioning new works, and managing audience engagement programs. Since its creation, Houston Grand Opera has produced 65 world premieres to date, and supported numerous national tours. In fact, it is one of the most decorated opera houses in the United States, and has won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and three Emmy awards. It also was the only American finalist for Opera Company of the Year at the 2017 International Opera Awards.

Houston Grand Opera works to contribute to Houston's cultural enrichment through its performances, community events, and education projects. Its two major community initiatives are H.G.O. co, which oversees all community engagement programming, and the Nexus Initiative, a multi-year ticket underwriting program that allows Houstonians of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy opera without the barrier of price. Those wishing to contribute to H.G.O can volunteer, donate, or attend one of their special galas.

At #7 is Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia. V.O. has a working budget of $5.3 million with over 28 mainstage performances, and reaches nearly 50,000 attendees annually. It annually produces four mainstage productions, including performances at the Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Carpenter Theatre in Richmond, and at George Mason University's Center for the Arts in Fairfax. It is the only opera company to perform a full season of opera in multiple mainstage venues, and it annually reaches over one hundred and fifty thousand students and community members through its education and outreach programs.

It is the only opera company to perform a full season of opera in multiple mainstage venues, and it annually reaches over one hundred and fifty thousand students and community members through its education and outreach programs.

This education and outreach includes in-school opera tours, student night at the opera, State of Virginia curriculum-approved opera study guides, a free ticket program, and its Operation Opera lecture series. Virginia Opera also produces free and inexpensive events for the public, such as Opera Near the Park, and adult-friendly events in local watering holes. Anyone interested in supporting the V.O. can join the Virginia Opera guild, volunteer, host an opera singer at their home, advertise in its performance program books, or make a donation.

Rounding out the list at #8 is Opera San Jose, a regional opera company that specializes in showcasing the finest young professional singers in the United States. Unique in the United States, O.S.J. maintains a resident company of principal artists. These up-and-comers are groomed for international performing careers through lead roles in mainstage productions, and participation in the company's community outreach projects. Additionally, it maintains extensive school and community educational programs, and offers preview lectures and introduction to opera talks for all mainstage productions.

Opera San Jose's programs rest on three initiatives: its mainstage subscription series; a varied curriculum of educational programs for youth and adults; and community-wide performances that include outdoor concerts, performances at libraries and retirement communities, and for clubs and other organizations. Notable among opera companies, O.S.J. has never incurred debt, and instead has nurtured a modest cash reserve. In 2018, Charity Navigator awarded Opera San Jose a four-star, its eighth four-star rating in a ten-year period. People interested in giving can make a donation, volunteer, or use its Amazon Smile link when you shop on Amazon donate to O.S.J.