Opera Omaha
From Omaha Commons
History
Opera Omaha began in 1958 as the Omaha Civic Opera Society, an all-volunteer community opera association. In 1961 the company hired its first musical and artistic director, and began to engage visiting stage directors, while using local singers. Presentation of lesser known operas began a trend of innovation. By the early 1970s, the company became fully professional, and the company’s name was changed to Opera Omaha. In 1975, Opera Omaha moved performances to the historic Orpheum Theater, opening with Lucia di Lammermoor, starring Beverly Sills.
Today
In 2007-2008, Opera Omaha will commemorate its 50th anniversary. In celebration, and to fully launch the new strategic plan, Opera Omaha will present a new production of Aida, designed by prominent Omaha artist, Catherine Ferguson. This grand event at the Orpheum Theater will serve as a centerpiece to a season that includes the Paul Moravec/ Ted Kooser world premiere at the Holland Performing Arts Center and utilizes the city as the company’s “opera house”. It is the intention of Opera Omaha to create diverse opera programming which involves more specialized small programs designed to reach distinct market segments. To increase the capacity of the Opera in order to advance this new plan, in January 2006 the Opera Omaha Board of Directors merged with the Opera Omaha Foundation Board to strengthen the organization’s resources to build support for these exciting changes. For more information call (402)34 Opera (346-7273).
For tickets visit the website below.
