Carmen
November 9, 10 & 14, 2024
The Magic Flute
February 6, 8 & 9, 2025
La bohème
April 10, 12 & 13, 2025
Serving as nearly 80% of Opera Carolina’s total impact, our suite of Learning and Community Programs have reached more than 1.5 million young minds and families across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Northern Georgia over the last 50 years. From the Opera Xpress touring company performing in schools and communities, Musical Storytimes in libraries, the Youth Academy’s foundational vocal instruction and more, our programs bring learning and wholistic development to life for learners at all ages.
FESTIVAL 2025 and the International Lyric Academy
Christian Carrara, LA BENEDIZIONE
a prequel to Gianni Schicchi (US Premiere)
Giacomo Puccini, GIANNI SCHICCHI
Gilbert & Sullivan, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Concerts and Recitals
June 1-30, 2025
Central Piedmont Community College
Starring Guest Artists, The Resident Company
International Lyric Academy participants with
The Festival Orchestra
More than seven decades ago, Charlotte’s leading arts advocates envisioned a professional opera company that would enrich the community and enhance the educational opportunities for young people throughout the region. Today Opera Carolina carries on their legacy, inspiring the community with an abiding commitment to excellence. Opera Carolina is more than the public performances of Classic Grand Operas at the Belk Theater for which the company is renowned. Our commitment is equally focused on lifelong learning, mentorship and workforce advancement. We collaborate with artists and organizations throughout the region to enhance Charlotte’s cultural community, and to play our part in civic engagement. The opera artform is the vehicle to engaging all parts of our community with the beauty of live performance.
Through the company’s acclaimed Learning Programs, innovative Community Programs and the Resident Company, the Opera takes a bold leap forward as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary season in 2025. Your support for the “Together for Tomorrow” campaign is vital to meeting our commitment to this growing and dynamic region. This page is created to give you an introduction to the breadth of our programs. I ask you to support the campaign and help us return the many benefits we have received from this great community for 75 years.
Thank you,
James Meena
General Director & Principal Conductor
Belk Theater Stage • November 16, 2024 • On stage of the Belk Theater in the set of Carmen
Charlotte Harris Lucas and Alison Welch, Co-chairs
Bella Notte celebrates Charlotte as the artistic center of North Carolina, and brings together Greater Charlotte’s business, social, and philanthropic leaders for an evening of entertainment, exquisite cuisine, and dancing. Seating is limited, and reservations are best made well in advance. For twenty years, Bella Notte has been the premier black-tie fundraising event of the social calendar. This elegant gala opens each Opera Carolina Season on the beautiful Belk Theater stage, surrounded by an original Opera Carolina theatrical production.
The Elegant Setting, Fine Dining crafted by Executive Chef Bruce Moffet, catered by Best Impressions, Stunning Design by John Lupton Events, and Music and Dancing are all for the benefit of North Carolina’s leading professional opera company, Opera Carolina.
Invitations for individual reservations will be released in the fall, on a limited basis.
Proceeds benefit Opera Carolina’s Youth Academy and
Resident Company programs
BELLA NOTTE SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
COMMENDATORI (Knight Commanders)
$25,000
Recognized on the invitation and all Bella Notte materials, plus:
• Table of ten with signage recognition, and premiere seating.
•Season-long benefits of a $25,000 corporate donor.
MAESTRO
$15,000
Directed sponsorship for Entertainment, Decor, Cocktail hour
• Table of ten and with on-site signage.
Season-long benefits of a $15,000 corporate donor.
Individual Reservations: $850 per person*
*All but $250 per person is a charitable contribution to Opera Carolina
To become a Bella Notte Sponsor, please contact
Sarah Watson (sarah@operacarolina.org) or Claudio Ferri (claudio@operacarolina.org)
Fantasia Italiana
Travel with Maestro Meena to the Veneto and experience the
International Lyric Academy performances July 2025.
