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History

Founded in 1948 by the Charlotte Music Club as 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 $2.8 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 — Artistic Director

Board of Directors

• Chair Arlene Ferebee, Novant Health
• Vice Chair Carol Y. Kendrick, Brighthouse Financial
• Secretary Daryl Hollnagel, Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, LLP
• Assistant Secretary Robert C. Zabel, IBM
• Treasurer Charles T. Greer, GreerWalker, LLP
• Immediate Past Co-Chairs Stephen & Laura Philipson

2019/20 Season

• Macbeth – November 7, 9, & 10
• La Bohème – January 18, 19, & 23
• I Dream – April 19, 23, 25

Auxilliaries

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.

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 $1 million 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.

Mission

The mission of Opera Carolina is to elevate the quality of life throughout the region’s diverse communities through the presentation of excellent Opera and Education programs.

Facts

Opera Carolina is the largest and oldest opera company in the Carolinas, headquartered in Charlotte.

Annual audience (excluding broadcasts):

• Grand Opera: 15,000+
• Education programs: 40,000+ (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.
• 40% of the Opera audience travels from the outside of Mecklenburg County to attend performances.

Education & Outreach Programs

Opera Xpress

• The 2019/20 touring production is The Ugly Duckling
• Learning Guides meet the National Common Core standards in Language Arts and Math, and NC Essential curriculum standards for History, Music, Theater, and more to help teachers and students prepare for Opera Xpress.

first 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 FY2016.

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 and clinics with Opera Carolina principal artists and resident company members are available to regional high schools and universities throughout the Opera season. Check the ‘events’ tab for upcoming dates or send us a message to schedule one.

Media & Press Contact

Megan Miller
Director of Marketing