#MakeItYours
For many generations, the drama, thrill, and exhilaration of opera has been the exclusive domain of too few. At Opera Columbus, we’re out to refresh – to breathe new life – into the way opera is performed and presented.
Gone are the days of formality and unspoken rules. We are creating an open, innovative, fun, and unexpected form of entertainment that reflects the young, vibrant, and diverse city in which we live and play. Tweet, hoot, clap, and enjoy the show in your own personal way. Dress as you like and express your pleasure without the restrictions of traditional propriety. Go ahead, no one here will judge you.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Opera Columbus is to
advance the experience and the art of opera.
OUR VISION
For opera to touch many lives.
OUR VALUES
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, + INCLUSION STATEMENT:
The goal of Opera Columbus’ equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts is to create programming through a thoughtful, intentional, process rooted in inclusiveness, authenticity, and representation of diverse voices and perspectives.
CULTURAL RELEVANCE:
We create productions and programs that reflect the communities of today.
ARTISTIC INNOVATION:
We envision what could be, often through our collaborative process.
CULTIVATING VOICES:
We welcome, nurture, and elevate talent in all its forms.
OPENING MINDS:
We accept the responsibility to educate and inspire all generations.
INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP:
We fearlessly lead within the field and in our community.
OUR HISTORY
The Southern and Ohio Theaters are both places Opera Columbus calls home, and the land around our homes reflect our history as a nation. Our offices and theater sit within the Native American Kaskaskia Territory which was home to the Peoria Tribe before they were forced from their ancestral lands to Oklahoma. And because of that, we aim to protect and honor the history and people who called this land home before we did.
Founded in 1981, Opera Columbus brings the full grandeur of opera to Columbus stages with lush mainstage productions and creative education and community engagement programs. Under the vision of General Director + CEO, Julia Noulin-Mérat, we are redefining the very concept of regional opera, with original productions that celebrate emerging talent, fresh perspectives, and modern technology, engaging a new, diverse audience for this most magnificent of art forms.
We are proud to be a leader in Columbus’ highly collaborative arts community. Innovative collaborations contribute to the vibrancy of Opera Columbus’ programming, with partners including Against the Grain Theatre (Toronto), Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra (Cleveland), BalletMet (Columbus), the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, the Columbus Symphony, Company XIV (New York), and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra (Columbus). Examples include the hugely successful Twisted (2014) and Twisted 2 (2016) collaborations between Opera Columbus, BalletMet, and the Columbus Symphony, which garnered rave reviews, capacity audiences, and nationwide attention.
JUILLIARD SCHOOL COLLABORATION
We are especially proud of our artistic collaboration with the Artist Diploma for Opera Studies (ADOS) program at The Juilliard School. Launched in 2016-2017, this unique collaboration is bringing exceptional Juilliard ADOS artists to Columbus to perform in principal roles in Opera Columbus’ mainstage productions. In addition to fulfilling Opera Columbus’ mission to support and develop emerging talent, this innovative relationship also benefits our local audiences, bringing extraordinary artists to the Columbus stage, often in their role debuts.
EDUCATION INITIATIVES
Our popular K-12 education programs include in-school Children’s Opera performances and workshops, Southern Theatre tours, Student Discount Tickets, and new programs Concerts in the Classroom and Opera Rehearsals. Learn more about what we’re doing with Education here.
