Draft:Opera Baltimore

Opera Baltimore is a professional opera organization based in Baltimore, Maryland. Situated in the Mount Vernon arts district, the company is the Artist-in-Residence at the historic Garrett-Jacobs Mansion. Founded in 2009 as Baltimore Concert Opera, it rebranded as Opera Baltimore in 2022 to reflect an expanded artistic mission and programming that includes fully staged operas, concert operas, and a wide array of community and educational initiatives. Opera Baltimore is a member of Opera America.

History

Opera Baltimore was established in response to the closure of the Baltimore Opera Company in 2009, which left a significant cultural void in the city. A group of opera enthusiasts and artists came together during the 2008 recession to found Baltimore Concert Opera, initially focusing on cost-effective concert opera performances with piano accompaniment. These performances highlighted the unamplified human voice and intimate storytelling.

The Garrett-Jacobs Mansion became the organization’s home, symbolizing renewal and resilience in Baltimore’s arts scene. In 2022, the organization rebranded as Opera Baltimore to reflect its growth into a broader, more inclusive opera company, introducing full-scale productions with orchestra to its annual programming.

Programming

Opera Baltimore's artistic vision balances tradition with contemporary relevance, offering programming for opera lovers and newcomers alike.

Operatic Productions

• Fully Staged Operas: The company presents one full-scale production per season, complete with professional orchestras, sets, and costumes. These productions, created in partnership with OperaDelaware, are performed at Stephens Hall at Towson University.
• Concert Operas: Semi-staged performances held at the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion ballroom, providing audiences with intimate experiences that emphasize the music and vocal artistry.

Community and Educational Programs

• Thirsty Thursdays at the Opera: Combining live opera performances with beverage tastings in a relaxed, informal setting.
• Opera Club: Informal gatherings encouraging discussion and exploration of opera, marketed as “Like Book Club, Only Louder!”
• Opera Insights Lecture Series: Educational talks offering in-depth context about upcoming performances, available both in-person and online.

Youth Programs

• Voice Your Story: Creative workshops where children develop "mini operas" inspired by storybooks.
• What is Opera? A Team!: An engaging introduction to opera’s elements, celebrating Baltimore-born soprano Anne Wiggins Brown’s legacy.

Adult Programs

• Opera Insights: Free online lectures providing historical and thematic context for the season's productions.
• Opera Club: A welcoming environment for opera enthusiasts to connect and share insights.

Community Engagement

Opera Baltimore’s outreach initiatives aim to make opera accessible and inclusive for all audiences:

• Fall for Opera: Free outdoor concerts in Baltimore’s parks, inviting casual audiences to explore opera.
• Pay It Forward: A program providing free or discounted tickets to individuals and families facing financial barriers.
• Opera on the Avenue: Celebrating the legacy of Baltimore native Anne Wiggins Brown, this program partners with local organizations, such as the Black Arts District and the Shake and Bake Family Fun Center, to amplify the voices of West Baltimore’s diverse communities through performances, exhibits, and civic projects.

Legacy and Impact

Opera Baltimore is recognized as an operatic leader in the state, blending artistic excellence with a mission of accessibility and inclusivity. Anchored at the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, the organization upholds Baltimore’s operatic traditions while innovating ways to engage with the community. Through its programming, Opera Baltimore ensures that opera remains a vibrant and relevant art form for future generations.

For more information, visit Opera Baltimore’s website.