Opera Colorado

A nonprofit organization


Vision

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. 


Testimonials

"...As I marched my toddlers to the performance, I was a little nervous that I was dragging them to something they wouldn't understand or have the patience to sit through. I was so wrong. We all loved it... My five-year old was fixated and keeps asking when we can go back to the Opera. Thank you for making this artform so accessible to children. Thank you for a reminder that true artistry speaks to us all. "
- Julia Jung reflecting on Family Day, a free Education & Engagement Program in which Opera Colorado opens the doors to the Ellie for programming of condensed operas and activities for children and families.

"The recent pandemic has led to large budget cuts in our country's educational system, which often includes slashing funding for the arts. Allowing Opera Colorado to continue to foster artistic development in our youngest citizens through continued exposure to quality creative expression will help keep a treasured art form accessible and alive. Music plays a vital role in all our lives and Opera Colorado plays an equally vital role in continuing to bring world-class opera to Denver."
- Joyce de Roos, a long-time Opera Colorado subscriber, donor, and volunteer. 

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Mission

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.

Background Statement

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 Data

Summary

Organization name

Opera Colorado

Year Established

1980

Tax id (EIN)

84-0850527

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

4121 South Navajo Street Suite 100
Englewood, CO 80110

Service areas

Arapahoe 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

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