Dear Opera Supporter:
We are excited to be sharing this wonderful news with you. Emerald City Opera will now be known as Opera Steamboat.
As you may know, Emerald City Opera began 15 years go through the dedication and talent of Keri Rusthoi. It has continued under the current leadership of Jack Dysart who has been instrumental in ensuring its sustainability and creative direction.
We are fiscally responsible, debt-free and continually strive to break-even which is unique to regional opera companies in the United States!
In 2015 Andres Cladera, with his incredible resume, was hired as Artistic Director. Under his direction, the quality of productions, greater recognition and contacts in the larger professional opera community have flourished. For example, the Opera Artists Institute (OAI), Steamboat's summer educational experience for young performers, has grown from 10 students when the program started to an enrollment of more than 30 participants from 120 applicants representing all areas of the country. In collaboration with the Opera Colorado Young Artists' Program, our performances in the local Routt County schools thrive. We provide traditional as well as contemporary operas throughout the year. Supported by an active and dedicated Volunteer Board and part time staff, Opera Steamboat continues to grow in quality and depth. This past fall the Board authorized the addition of Beth Blaskovich as our Administrative/Development Director.
So why change the name?
Through social media and online resources, patrons are searching for events and event sponsors. Because of this, opera companies today tend to have names that reflect what they are, and where they are, such as Opera Philadelphia. We need to build audience participation, by providing this understanding and recognition to further ensure our sustainability and growth in today's world. We are committed to continue to bring high quality opera performances for all ages to our community.
We sincerely thank you for your ongoing support. It is invaluable.
We trust you will continue to join us in this journey as we begin our 15th season
to "discover" opera in North West Colorado.
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