FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE AMERICAN OPERA PROJECT ANNOUNCES ARTISTIC ADVISORY COUNCIL
Influential Artists and Industry leaders from across Cultural Spectrum to provide
insight, guidance, and exposure to Brooklyn’s contemporary opera company
February 1, 2021

The American Opera Project announces the creation of the AOP Artistic Advisory Council, composed of artists and innovators from the world of opera and beyond who contribute their time and wise counsel to advance the mission of The American Opera Project. Council members offer their unique ideas and personal insight to the AOP Staff and Board of Directors, mentor creative teams in the development stage, and serve on panels selecting AOP works and artists. 

Mila Henry, AOP's Artistic Director says, “When Matt (AOP's General Director) and I first talked about what we wanted to bring to AOP, one unanimous decision was to expand AOP’s reach, not only through our audiences, but through our influences as well. How can we learn from our colleagues, both in–and equally important–outside of the operatic world? This illustrious panel of visionary leaders will provide the insight needed to navigate an ever-evolving terrain."

Council Members include:

Mark Campbell, Librettist
Thom Collins, Executive Director - the Barnes Foundation
Sasha Cooke, Mezzo-soprano
Anthony Roth Costanzo, Countertenor
Alexandra Enyart, Conductor - Thompson Street Opera Company
Susan Gonzalez, Director of Vocal Studies and Opera Theater - Hunter College
Briana Hunter, Mezzo-soprano
J. David Jackson, Composer and Conductor
Laura Kaminsky, Council Director and Composer
Jessie Montgomery, Composer and Violinist
David Michalek, Director and Visual Artist
Ravi Rajan, President - California Institute of the Arts
Kimberly Reed, Filmmaker and Librettist
Huang Ruo, Composer

Artistic Advisory Council activities are coordinated by Council Director, composer Laura Kaminsky (As One), who says, "Having served as AOP's composer-in-residence for several years, it is an honor now to lead this august group of thought leaders as we begin to grapple with some of the changes facing our field. It is my hope that together we can be helpful to Matt and Mila as they charge ahead, redefining AOP as a central player in contemporary opera."

MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE: www.aopopera.org/artistic-advisory-council
ABOUT THE AMERICAN OPERA PROJECT
Founded in 1988, The American Opera Project (AOP) has been at the forefront of contemporary opera for over 30 years. The Brooklyn-based producing organization commissions, develops and produces music-theatre projects, trains emerging composers and librettists, and creates personal connections within its community. Its works have received critical acclaim at opera companies and venues around the world, establishing a new musical canon that recognizes the operatic story in every life. 

Press for AOP:
"known for bringing cutting-edge vocal productions to the masses" — New York Magazine
"a perfect first exposure to opera." — Time Out NY
"Bravo to AOP for supporting such controversial and ultimately important work." — Opera Today
"The future of American opera is in good hands." — Opera News

Media Contact: Meagan Brus, Director of Marketing and Communications
email: mbrus@aopopera.org
Press material is available at: www.aopopera.org/about
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