Seattle Opera

'''Seattle Opera - About Seattle Opera, a cornerstone of the arts in the Pacific Northwest, was founded in 1963 and has since established itself as one of the leading opera companies in the United States. Renowned for its artistically excellent productions and its unique presentations of Wagner's operas, Seattle Opera contributes vibrantly to the cultural and civic life of the region and influences the evolution of opera on a global scale. The company's mission is to thrill, inspire, and educate through the shared experience of opera. Seattle Opera is dedicated to achieving artistic excellence, fostering creativity, building community, promoting equity and diversity, embracing innovation, and maintaining integrity. These values guide the company's operations and its commitment to being an antiracist, inclusive organization where everyone can experience a sense of belonging. Seattle Opera's history is marked by notable achievements and ambitious projects. Under the direction of founding General Director Glynn Ross, the company presented the world premiere of Carlisle Floyd's "Of Mice and Men" in 1970, the first fully staged production of The Who's rock opera "Tommy" in 1971, and the world premiere of Pasatieri's "Black Widow" in 1972. The 1970s also saw Seattle Opera become the first company to present a complete cycle of Wagner's "Ring" in one week since 1939, an event that drew international attention and was produced in both German and English for nine consecutive seasons. Under General Director Speight Jenkins, who led the company from 1983, Seattle Opera continued to create landmark productions, including two new productions of "Der Ring des Nibelungen" and the world premiere of "Amelia" by Daron Aric Hagen in 2010. Jenkins' successor, Aidan Lang (2014-2019), introduced new community programs and chamber operas that addressed contemporary themes and stories relevant to today's audiences. Christina Scheppelmann, who began her tenure as General Director in 2019, continues to uphold the company's legacy while expanding its reach. Seattle Opera's commitment to education is evident in its extensive