Opera Carolina Fast Facts

History

Founded in 1948 as a Charlotte Music Club project by a small group of volunteers with a budget of $125, Opera Carolina today is the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas with an operating budget of over $3 million. Opera Carolina is a community resource with a commitment to artistic excellence and community service.

Opera Carolina is a member of OPERA America, Inc., and receives funds from the Arts & Science Council/Charlotte-Mecklenburg, National Endowment for the Arts, and the North Carolina Arts Council.

James Meena — General Director & Principal Conductor

Mission

To inspire the region's diverse community through the presentation of excellent Opera, Operetta, Music Theatre and Education & Outreach Programs that elevates the quality of life in the Carolinas.

Fast Facts

  • Opera Carolina is the largest and oldest opera company in the Carolinas.
  • Opera Carolina's average annual attendance:
  • Mainstage: 20,000+
  • Education programs: 50,000+ (NC, SC & GA counties)
  • All main stage performances feature the Opera Carolina Chorus and The Charlotte Symphony.
  • Opera Carolina is nationally recognized for its twenty-five year commitment to arts education.

Board of Directors Officers

Chair: Kay Allison Norris, Arts Advocate
Vice Chair: Georgette “Gigi” Dixon, Wachovia Wells Fargo
Secretary: Hillary Cooper, Arts Advocate
Treasurer: Steven Hershfield, Time Warner Cable
Assistant Treasurer: Jeffrey Alvino, GMAC
Past Chair: C. Wells Hall, III, Mayer Brown

2009/2010 Season Schedule

La Bohème
January 23, 24, 28 & 30, 2010

Love Notes
February 20, 2010

Carmen
March 13, 14, 18, & 20, 2010

Otello
May 6 & 8, 2010

Special Event: 75th Anniversary Tour of Porgy & Bess
May 14, 15 & 16, 2010

Education & Outreach Programs

MUSIC! WORDS! OPERA!

  • MWO is the nationally acclaimed OPERA America program serving grades K-5. It provides teachers the opportunity to introduce students to the operatic art form through music, visual arts, and English Language Arts.

OPERA EXPRESS

  • Opera Carolina's educational touring company serves 50% of Charlotte Mecklenburg elementary schools.
  • 2009/2010 Touring Program: Jack and the Beanstalk.

STUDENT NIGHT AT THE OPERA

  • Public school, home school, college and university students attend the final dress rehearsal for Opera Carolina mainstage productions.
  • 1379 students attended in FY2007.

CARTWHEELS

  • An initiative by the NC Arts Council empowers Opera Carolina to tour five North Carolina counties.
  • The Barber of Seville will tour in the 2008/2009 season, both in its full version for adults and a one-hour version for school children.

Auxiliaries

BRAVO!

  • BRAVO! is Opera Carolina's premier group for young professionals interested in exploring and enhancing their enjoyment of Charlotte's vibrant performing arts scene.
  • Members enjoy an After-Party at Blue Restaurant & Bar (Saturday night performances), BRAVO! Members-Only events, and E-newsletters.

FRIENDS OF THE OPERA

  • The Friends of the Opera was formed in 1972.
  • The Friends provide support to Opera Carolina through artist hospitality, subscription renewal campaigns, and education programs, in addition to annual financial contributions.
  • Since their inception, the Friends have contributed more than $500,000 to Opera Carolina.

OPERA GUILD

  • The Opera Guild has awarded over 149 Scholarships since it began its Scholarship Program in 1969.
  • The Opera Guild has donated more than $1million dollars to Opera Carolina.
  • The Opera Guild supports the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions for North Carolina and sponsors a Vocal Competition Scholarship Program at UNC Charlotte.

Media Contact

James Meena
General Director & Principal Conductor
james@operacarolina.org

Arts & Science Council