We aspire to build a family of opera lovers, who reflect the multi-cultural fabric of our community. Our work will tell the great stories of opera, past, present, and future, showcasing diverse talent and innovative approaches that serve as a model for our community and the industry at large.
"...As I marched my toddlers to the performance, I was a little nervous that I was dragging them to something they wouldn't understand or have the patience to sit through. I was so wrong. We all loved it... My five-year old was fixated and keeps asking when we can go back to the Opera. Thank you for making this artform so accessible to children. Thank you for a reminder that true artistry speaks to us all. "
- Julia Jung reflecting on Family Day, a free Education & Engagement Program in which Opera Colorado opens the doors to the Ellie for programming of condensed operas and activities for children and families.
"The recent pandemic has led to large budget cuts in our country's educational system, which often includes slashing funding for the arts. Allowing Opera Colorado to continue to foster artistic development in our youngest citizens through continued exposure to quality creative expression will help keep a treasured art form accessible and alive. Music plays a vital role in all our lives and Opera Colorado plays an equally vital role in continuing to bring world-class opera to Denver."
- Joyce de Roos, a long-time Opera Colorado subscriber, donor, and volunteer.
Our mission is to connect our Colorado community to the emotions and stories of the world through traditional and innovative opera and education programming that is accessible to all.
In 1980, a group of opera lovers discussed the need for professional-quality opera productions in Denver. Soon after, a company emerged that set a new standard for artistic excellence in Colorado. Nathaniel Merrill, longtime stage director for the Metropolitan Opera, served as artistic director from 1981-1998. The first performance took place on April 4, 1983. Opera Colorado performed "in the round" for ten years, this unusual staging etching an early artistic identity that prioritized an intimate connection with the audience and a relentless focus on quality, values that still characterize the company today.
In 2002, the organization won the opportunity to restore the 1908 Auditorium Theatre, leading to the opening of the 2,200-seat Ellie Caulkins Opera House as its performance home in 2005. The company builds on this acoustically excellent venue's storied past by connecting modern audiences with great works of the opera repertoire. In 2017, Opera Colorado moved into the Opera Center, a 7,500 sq.ft. office and rehearsal space that allows the administrative and artistic sides of the company to coexist under the same roof.
After adapting with original digital programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, Opera Colorado returned to live performances with a triumphant season in 2021-22 followed by a spectacular 40th Anniversary Season in 2022-23. Building on this momentum, the 2023-24 season featured stunning productions of Don Giovanni, The Flying Dutchman, and Samson and Delilah. Looking ahead, our 2024-25 season promises to captivate audiences with Daughter of the Regiment, La bohème, and semi-staged concert performances of Il Trovatore. We’re also excited to present a special Encore Concert in the spring, a celebration of opera's greatest hits. As we look towards Opera Colorado's future, we affirm our commitment to artistic excellence and community connection.
Delivering high-quality, large-scale productions of grand opera at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House remains the foundation of our artistic work. Opera Colorado creates thrilling performances that balance singing, acting, and playing into a coherent artistic whole. The 58-member Opera Colorado Orchestra and 30-member Opera Colorado Chorus, both of which consist almost entirely of musicians who live in the Denver area, will collaborate with renowned singers and emerging artists from across the world for these productions that will reach an estimated audience of over 22,000 people.
Organization name
Opera Colorado
1981
Tax id (EIN)
84-0850527
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
4121 South Navajo Street Suite 100Arapahoe County, CO, US
Denver, CO, US
Jefferson County, CO, US
Douglas County, CO, US
Boulder County, CO, US
Phone
303-778-1500
Other
303-468-2040
Other
303-468-2030