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 2022-2023 season, the Opera produced three operas at the beneduem center and one production at the august wilson african american cultural center, respectively for a total of seventeen 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.

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 i the 2022-2023 season, the company produced two fully-staged productions with orchestra for a total of nine performances. Each year the program receives over 350 applications for 7-8 positons.

Pittsburgh Opera's inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (i.d.e.a.) Department ensures that i.d.e.a. Initiatives, policies, and best practices permeate the organizational demography of the organization and the community we serve. Pittsburgh Opera offered 10 i.d.e.a. Trainings, workshops, and guided discussions for staff, performers, and constituents, conducted accountability measures including auditing for best practices and administered staff and board engagement surveys. I.d.e.a. Initiatives are further realized through strategic partnerships and community engagement offerings in order to positively impact those we serve. During fy 22/23, the company participated in 4 workshops covering inclusion, diversity, equity, and access best practices and bias awareness and heuristic impulses. Further, Pittsburgh Opera, with the aid of a civic practice grant awarded by Opera america, began its first phase of partnerships with the homewood community to engage with and expose the population to Opera and elements surrounding this art form. Pittsburgh Opera held our annual family day where we saw an increase of 56% to 181children, teens, and their families participated in four different activities some of the many different components that make up Opera: (1) instrument show and tell; (2) voice lessons; (3) dance/movement/choreography; and (4) prop making as well as a professional operatic performance.