Pittsburgh Opera

About Pittsburgh Opera Pittsburgh Opera is a premier American opera company known for its high artistic standards, commitment to excellence, and a diverse range of educational and community outreach programs. Established in 1939 by a group of visionary women from the Tuesday Musical Club, Pittsburgh Opera holds the distinction of being the seventh-oldest opera company in the United States. The origins of Pittsburgh Opera can be traced back to its five founders—Virginia C. Byerly, Carolyn Hunt Mahaffey, Priscilla W. Collins, Ruby N. Wickersham, and Marie M. Pease—who formed The Pittsburgh Opera Society. The company's inaugural production, "The Tales of Hoffmann," was staged in March 1940 at the Carnegie Music Hall with Mahaffey performing the role of Nicklausse. Under the baton of its first conductor, Richard Karp, the company flourished and eventually transitioned to performing at Heinz Hall in 1971. Throughout its history, Pittsburgh Opera has been led by influential figures in the world of opera. In 1983, Tito Capobianco, a renowned stage director, took the helm as General Director and significantly shaped the company's direction, establishing its own orchestra and introducing innovative practices such as the use of supertitles. The Resident Artists Program was also launched during his tenure, fostering the growth of emerging operatic talent. Mark Weinstein succeeded Capobianco in 1997, focusing on financial stability and strategic planning. His leadership saw a tripling of the company's assets and reinforced Pittsburgh Opera's reputation for sound fiscal management. The Artistic Excellence Project was initiated under Weinstein, leading to the appointment of Christopher Hahn as Artistic Director in 2000 and John Mauceri as Music Director in 2001. Christopher Hahn has been instrumental in expanding the company's repertoire, incorporating Baroque and contemporary works, and enhancing the Resident Artist Program. Antony Walker joined as Music Director in 2005, bringing with him a wealth of musical knowledge and expertise. In 2008, Pittsburgh Opera moved to its current home, the Bitz Opera Factory, located in the historic George Westinghouse Air Brake Factory in Pittsburgh's Strip District. This relocation provided the space necessary to support the company's artistic endeavors and to offer the community a closer look at the multifaceted aspects of opera production. The Opera has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, achieving LEED Silver Certification for its operations and maintenance. Pittsburgh Opera's mission is to enrich the Pittsburgh and tri-state area by producing opera of the highest quality, making it accessible to a wide audience, nurturing the next generation of opera artists, and practicing responsible fiscal management. The company's current leader, Christopher Hahn, has been pivotal in maintaining artistic excellence and expanding the company's community footprint. With a diverse season that includes classics like "Rusalka" and "The Marriage of Figaro," as well as contemporary works such as "Denis & Katya" and "We Shall Not Be Moved," Pittsburgh Opera continues to captivate audiences and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the region. Its educational initiatives reach over 15,000 individuals annually, and the Resident Artist Program is recognized as one of the nation's top training centers for aspiring opera professionals. Pittsburgh Opera's dedication to artistic quality, financial responsibility, and community engagement ensures its place as a cultural cornerstone in Pittsburgh and beyond, poised to delight and inspire for generations to come.