An End of Year Review

Greetings,

As 2019 comes to a close, we have the opportunity to reflect upon this year’s successes and look forward to all that is to come in 2020.

It is remarkable how much Opera Colorado accomplished over the course of the year, both artistically and financially. During Black History Month, our emotionally impactful performances of Tom Cipullo’s After Life and Josephine, as performed by our talented Artists in Residence and the incomparable Laquita Mitchell, shone a spotlight on the use of celebrity for social justice.

Our splendid production of The Marriage of Figaro showed that Mozart’s genius and whit is just as compelling today as it was over 200 years ago—and our audience agreed. Last season ended with the strongest attendance in nearly ten years, selling out every performance presented at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and in venues throughout the community.

Our 2019-20 Season represents expansion, as we move to three fully-produced operas at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and once again, increase our family of season ticket holders. Our whimsical season opener, The Barber of Seville, brought to life by a superb international cast, celebrated director Omer ben Seadia, Opera Colorado music director Ari Pelto, and our own Opera Colorado Orchestra, thrilled our audience. 1,788 students attended this production at our annual Student Matinee. Those students were just a portion of the over 45,000 students who experienced the excitement and passion of opera through our in-school programs that serve the Denver and larger Rocky Mountain Region.

As we look to the New Year, we are proud to be presenting both Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci in February and Puccini’s Tosca in May.These productions feature superb casts, beautiful sets and costumes, and represent the tradition of grand opera our audience loves. We also look forward to numerous engaging events planned for the remainder of this season including, our annual Family Day at the Opera in January, the Sip and Sing opera cabaret evening at Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club in February, and our glamourous, fun-filled gala Fascinating Rhythm in March—just to name a few.

Behind the scenes, the Opera Colorado Staff and Board of Directors have embarked on a five-year strategic planning process that focuses on a programming plan, expanding the Board of Directors, and increasing our impact and capacity throughout the community. We anticipate completing the process in May and beginning implementation with our new fiscal year on July 1.

Of course, the thrill of any year is our annual Season Announcement. The 2020-21 Season will be our largest season at Opera Colorado yet! I cannot wait to share this upcoming season filled with beloved favorites and exciting new endeavors.

Everything we do at Opera Colorado is only possible through your support. So in this season of thanksgiving and celebration, and on behalf of the Opera Colorado Board of Directors and Staff, thank you for your enthusiasm and generous spirit. I celebrate your passion for opera and its unique ability to transform lives.

Happy Holidays!

Greg Carpenter
General & Artistic Director