Opera Colorado

Impact Statement

The goal of Opera Colorado for the 2016-2017 season is to continue fulfilling our mission statement to present inspiring opera performances and educational programs. This will be accomplished by presenting two mainstage productions - Puccini's rarely performed LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST and Donizetti's dark drama LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR; adding a third production outside of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with Laura Kaminsky's new chamber opera, AS ONE; continuing to inspire over 38,000 school age youth throughout Colorado by offering essential education and outreach programs; and training the next generation of opera performers with our Young Artist residency program.

Needs Statement

Opera Colorado is sustained by the generosity of individual donors and sponsors, who comprise our single largest source of income. While ticket sales and other earned income are our most obvious income source, this revenue only covers approximately 30% of our total annual operating budget. We rely on support from donors like you and days like Colorado Gives in order to bring opera programs to our schools, offer free or reduced cost programs to children who otherwise could not participate and to sustain one of Denver's finest cultural institutions.

Executive Director Statement

Opera Colorado is a vital member of Denver's artistic community helping to make the city a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive. We are expanding our role with a new artistic vision presenting contemporary works in unique venues alongside the masterworks of the operatic repertoire at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Opera Colorado has also increased its commitment to building new audiences and and increasing our geographic footprint in the ever -diverse Rocky Mountain region.

We are thrilled to announce our exciting line-up for the 2016/2017 Season, which includes a new production of Puccini's LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST celebrating Colorado's rich mining history, Laura Kaminsky's critically acclaimed chamber opera AS ONE and Donizetti's dramatic LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR. Returning to the presentation of three operas is a symbol of our financial and artistic strength.

When you give to Opera Colorado, you make great things happen. You provide opportunities and create possibilities. Opera is one of the most collaborative and dynamic art forms and through your generosity you are helping to make an impact on Opera Colorado's incredible vision now, and in the years to come.

Your donation also supports Opera Colorado's education and community engagement programs which bring opera to thousands of people through performances in schools and community centers across the state. Over 36,000 students of all ages are reached each year through Opera Colorado's innovative workshops, tours and student matinees performed by our talented Young Artists who are the voice and face of Opera Colorado.

I hope you will take the opportunity TODAY to join our family of season ticket holders and contributors. Ticket sales revenue only covers approximately 40% of the cost of an opera production leaving the remaining 60% to be attained through contributions from generous donors. That is why your tax-deductible gift is so important to maintaining high artistic standards.

Join us for the journey, and experience the passion and excitement of Opera Colorado. Every contribution is important to our current and future success, and I thank you in advance for your generous support.

Most sincerely,
Greg Carpenter
General Director

Background Statement

Opera Colorado was founded in 1981 by Nathaniel Merrill, a distinguished name in the world of opera. With the goal of establishing a grand opera company in Denver, he gathered a group of local opera lovers to establish a grand opera company in Denver. Opera Colorado has grown consistently over many years of exceptional leadership and vision, presenting a mix of traditional and contemporary staging of standard repertoire while engaging young talent and attracting international superstars. In 2005, the Opera relocated its performances to the magnificent Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Downtown Denver. Gregory Carpenter was named General Director in 2007 and the company continues to grow its national reputation and strategically carry on the tradition of presenting world-class opera performances in Colorado.

Board Chair/President Statement

For 34 years, Opera Colorado has been presenting world class opera-showcasing internationally renowned artists and innovative approaches to traditional and new repertoire. Opera Colorado also serves more than 36,000 students of all ages through state-of-the-art community engagement programs throughout the Rocky Mountain Region.

With the support of generous contributors on Colorado Gives Day, Opera Colorado can continue to play an essential role in the cultural life of Colorado with world class performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, fun informal performances in unexpected locations throughout the city and cutting edge education programs.

Please help me in supporting this local cultural jewel educating patrons of all ages in this timeless classical art. I look forward to seeing you at our performances during the 2016/17 Season, and thank you in advance for your generous support.

Sincerely,
Mike Bock
Chairman of the Board

I come to Opera Colorado to see the opera, I volunteer at Opera Colorado because I want to help the opera community, and I donate to Opera Colorado because I want opera to thrive in this community. I want Opera Colorado to be everybody's Met." - Terry Frazier (Season Ticket Holder, Donor and Volunteer)

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