Opera Carolina Fast Facts

History

Founded in 1948 as a Charlotte Music Club by a small group of dedicated volunteers, who believed opera performances would enrich the community, and with a budget of $125, Opera Carolina has grown from these humble beginnings into the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas with an operating budget of $2.5 million.

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.

Opera Carolina — a community resource with a commitment to artistic excellence and community service.

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, headquartered in Charlotte.
  • Opera Carolina's annual audience (excluding broadcasts):
    - Mainstage: 20,000+
    - Education programs: 50,000+ (NC, SC & GA counties)
  • 90% of the artists, technicians and administrators of Opera Carolina live in greater Charlotte.
  • Opera Carolina is nationally recognized for its twenty-five year commitment to arts education.

Board of Directors Officers

Chair: Georgette Dixon, Wells Fargo
Vice Chair: Steven Hershfield, Time Warner Cable
Secretary: Hillary Cooper, Arts Advocate
Treasurer: David Pfleeger, Parsons Corporation
Assistant Treasurer: Jeffrey Brown, Accenture
Immediate Past Chair: Thomas Hughes, The Hearst Corporation

2011/2012 Season Schedule

Il Trovatore
October 15, 20, 23, 2011

Madama Butterfly
January 21, 26, 28, 29, 2012

Eugene Onegin
March 17, 22, 25, 2012

Education & Outreach Programs

OPERA EXPRESS

  • Pinocchio is an operatic adaptation of the classic childrenŐs story using music from great operas by Mozart, Offenbach, Donizetti, Pergolesi, Sullivan, and Verdi.
  • Study Guides meet the NC curriculum standards for English Language Arts and Music, help teachers and students prepare for Opera Express.

STUDENT NIGHT AT THE OPERA - sponsored by Goodrich Corporation
Public, private, home school, and college/university students attend the final dress rehearsal for Opera Carolina main stage productions.

THE OPERA CAROLINA ACADEMY

  • The Opera Carolina Academy provides professional instruction and training in classical singing, music drama, acting and movement under the supervision of acclaimed bass-baritone and Opera Carolina principal artists Kristopher Irimiter.

MASTER CLASSES

  • Master Classes with Opera Carolina principal artists are available to regional universities throughout the Opera season. Check the 'news' tab for updated information.

Auxiliaries

BRAVO! YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

  • 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.

THE OPERA GUILD OF CHARLOTTE

  • 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

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

Media: Brandon A. Stanley
Opera Carolina
brandon@operacarolina.org

Public Relations: Kathy Rowan
Rowan Communications
kathy@rowancommunications.com

Arts & Science Council