Atlanta Opera

The Atlanta Opera is a premier American opera company based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to delivering high-quality opera productions and fostering a love of the art form. With a mission to build a major international opera company that the city of Atlanta deserves, The Atlanta Opera has been reimagining the world of opera since its inception. Founded in 1979 through the merger of the Atlanta Lyric Opera and the Georgia Opera, The Atlanta Opera has a rich history that stretches back to the early 20th century when the Metropolitan Opera's annual tour to Atlanta was a major social event. The company's first production under the name Atlanta Civic Opera was "The Seagull," performed on March 14, 1980, at the Fox Theatre. In 1985, the company underwent a rebranding to become The Atlanta Opera, a name that has since become synonymous with excellence in opera. Under the leadership of Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, The Atlanta Opera has seen significant growth and innovation. Zvulun's tenure, which began in 2013, has been marked by the expansion of the mainstage productions at Cobb Energy Centre and the launch of the Discoveries series, which seeks to bring opera to a broader audience. The company has received numerous accolades, including a nomination for an International Opera Award in 2016 and the ArtsATL’s 2019 Luminary Award for Community Engagement. The Atlanta Opera's commitment to community engagement is evident through its Veterans Program, a partnership with The Home Depot Foundation, which has been recognized for its impact. The company's educational initiatives also include the Opera 101 program, the 96-Hour Opera Project, and the Atlanta Opera Podcast. A significant milestone in the company's history was the establishment of The Atlanta Opera Studio, a young artist program, in 2016. The program includes singers, a stage director, and a pianist, and it is part of the company's commitment to nurturing the next generation of opera professionals. The Atlanta Opera's history is marked by several major milestones, including the move to the 4,518-seat Fox Theatre in 1995, becoming the first resident company of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in 2007, and the receipt of a $9 million bequest from longtime board member Barbara D. Stewart in 2013. The Atlanta Opera's vision is encapsulated by its values and culture, which emphasize courage, accountability, respect, passion, excellence, diversity, innovation, education, and the magic of opera. The company's board of directors, led by Board Chair Rhys Wilson, and its diverse staff work tirelessly to uphold these values and to ensure the continued success and growth of the opera company. The Atlanta Opera's performance history is a testament to its artistic excellence, with a repertoire that includes both classic operas and contemporary works. The 2023-24 season features productions such as "The Shining," "Frankenstein," "Rigoletto," "La bohème," "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," and "Die Walküre." As The Atlanta Opera looks to the future, it continues to embrace its vision of reimagining opera for the modern age, while honoring the traditions and history that have made it a cultural cornerstone in Atlanta.