We aspire to build a family of opera lovers, who reflect the multi-cultural fabric of our community. Our work will tell the great stories of opera, past, present, and future, showcasing diverse talent and innovative approaches that serve as a model for our community and the industry at large. Hear about
“I met a woman after our Family Day performance who told me she has been coming to the opera since she was a little girl, and it has always been such a special experience to her. She now brings her young son and he loves it! She was so grateful that Opera Colorado offers such robust and accessible programming for younger audiences to enjoy and cannot wait to attend this season! It is so powerful for me to play a part in passing on that love of art with the next generation—and it wouldn’t be possible without Opera Colorado.”
-2024-2025 Artist in Residence, Hallie Schmidt
"Opera Colorado is a true Denver gem—transporting you through the beauty and emotion of opera. They maintain a thriving program for young artists to hone their craft. Keeping this available to the people of Denver and future opera professionals is why we support our local opera company.”
—Colorado Gives Day supporter
YOUR GIFT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR ABILITY TO KEEP OPERA ACCESSIBLE AND CONNECT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH ART.
Our mission is to connect our Colorado community to the emotions and stories of the world through traditional and innovative opera and education programming that is accessible to all. We believe that opera plays a vital role in enriching our community. Every day, Opera Colorado removes barriers to make opera accessible and affordable and tells stories that excite and connect us in meaningful ways. Opera Colorado’s distinct contribution to our city’s cultural life is centered on our grand opera productions at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, with additional performances and educational experiences presented live and throughout the seven-county metropolitan area and the state.
In 1980, a group of local opera fans got together to discuss the need for an opera company in Denver. While there were several regional companies in existence, the goal was to establish a major production company that could bring opera to audiences in the area. The group soon attracted Nathaniel Merrill and Louise Sherman, two veterans of the Metropolitan Opera. Opera Colorado’s first season opened on April 4, 1983, with Verdi’s Otello, which ran for three performances and featured internationally-acclaimed tenor James McCracken. The company also performed Puccini’s La Bohème, starring world-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo, during its first season.
In 2002, under the leadership of then President and General Director Peter Russell, Opera Colorado helped push for and win the bond issue to restore and renovate the 1908 Auditorium Theater to create the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The hall was unveiled on September 10, 2005, with a star-studded gala concert featuring Renée Fleming, Ben Heppner, and James Morris. The season that followed kicked off with a production of Bizet’s Carmen, starring Denyce Graves and Beth Clayton, who alternated in the title role.
In 2017, Opera Colorado moved into the Opera Center in Englewood, a 7,500 sq.ft. office and rehearsal space that allows the administrative and artistic sides of the company to coexist under the same roof.
The 2024-25 Season marked a pivotal leadership transition. After 20 years of visionary service, Greg Carpenter stepped down as The Ellie Caulkins General & Artistic Director, effective May 30, 2025. Following a national search, Opera Colorado’s Board of Directors appointed Barbara Lynne Jamison as the organization’s next leader. She brings a strong commitment to civic engagement and a proven record of connecting communities with opera in bold and meaningful ways. In addition, Opera Colorado will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Music Director, Ari Pelto. For the 2025-26, Opera Colorado is presenting two grand opera productions— Verdi’s La Traviata and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly— at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to over 20,000 patrons, maintaining a strong artistic presence in the city of Denver.
Organization name
Opera Colorado
1980
Tax id (EIN)
84-0850527
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
4121 South Navajo Street Suite 100Arapahoe County, CO, US
Denver, CO, US
Jefferson County, CO, US
Douglas County, CO, US
Boulder County, CO, US
Phone
303-778-1500
Other
303-468-2040
Other
303-468-2030