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 $2.6 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.
- Since 1971, Opera Carolina has been nationally recognized for its commitment to arts education.
Board of Directors Officers
Chair: Georgette Dixon, Wells Fargo
Vice Chair: Steven Hershfield, Time Warner Cable
Secretary: Frank Boncimino, Time Warner Cable
Treasurer: David Pfleeger, Arts Advocate
Asst. Treasurer: Jeffrey Brown, Accenture
Immediate Past Chair: Thomas Hughes, The Hearst Corporation
2013 / 2014 SEASON
Art to Poetry to Music
September 12, 2013
AIDA
October 19, 20, 24, 27, 2013
Il Trittico
January 18, 23, 26, 2014
The Flying Dutchman
March 22, 27, 30, 2014
Education & Outreach Programs
OPERA EXPRESS
- A young person's version of Mozart's magical opera,The Magic Flute.
- Study Guides meet the Common Core and NC Essential curriculum standards for English Language Arts, Music, and Social Studies to help teachers and students prepare for Opera Express.
STUDENT NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Public, private, and home school students attend the final dress rehearsal for Opera Carolina main stage productions.
- 1,500+ students attended in FY2012.
THE OPERA CAROLINA ACADEMY
- The Opera Carolina Academy provides professional instruction and training in classical singing, music drama, acting and movement with the region's leading artists and teachers.
MASTER CLASSES
- Master Classes with Opera Carolina principal artists are available to regional universities throughout the Opera season. Check the 'events' tab for upcoming dates.
Auxiliaries
- 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.
- 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
Designed by: 