Pittsburgh Opera

Pittsburgh Opera's core programming initiative is the fostering, development and support of music and Opera along with the presentation of productions in a variety of musical and dramatic styles, drawn from the complete operatic repertoire. Casts include internationally renowned artists performing with Pittsburgh Opera's chorus and orchestra in productions from around the world. Pittsburgh Opera attracts a diverse audience of more than 25,000 music-lovers to these performances, making a significant contribution to the economic health and social vitality of Pittsburgh's cultural district. In the 2019-2020 season, the Opera produced two main stage operas, and two new productions for the resident artists at capa theatre and the george rowland white studio, respectively for a total of sixteen performances. Due to the covid pandemic and state and local government restrictions on public gatherings, the Opera was forced to cancel two mainstage productions and its annual student matinee resulting in nine missed performances.

Pittsburgh Opera's education programs are designed to bring Opera closer to the community and to broaden understanding of and enthusiasm for the art form among people of all ages. Programming includes lectures, demonstrations, staged performances, workshops, concerts and recitals that introduce Opera to students from grades pre-k to college, and that enhance appreciation of Opera among adult lifelong learners. Other activities make Opera accessible to people with disabilities and provide educators with the resources they need to integrate the study of Opera and to address state academic standards in all content areas. Pittsburgh Opera has over 30 education programs and provides services to 20,000 participants annually. Education programs impact over 900 educators and the student matinee production reaches over 2,500 school children each season.

Pittsburgh Opera's resident artist training program is an intensive program designed to develop the talents of emerging vocal artists and stage directors. The program provides practical experience to these artists through performances in the Opera's mainstage productions as well as two resident artist productions. The program includes an individual course of study designed to establish a comprehensive foundation for the emerging Opera singer's burgeoning career, including vocal coaching, career management counseling, media coaching and master classes with operatic experts, all delivered in an environment that is supportive and nurturing so that singers can experiment, learn and grow as interpretive artists. For the resident artist program the company produces two fully-staged productions with orchestra for four performances each, making it the only major Opera company in the united states to do so. Each year the program receives over 350 applications for 7-8 positons.