Opéra Louisiane

Opéra Louisiane is a professional opera company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, founded in March 2007 by Robert Grayson and Amanda Martin Vincent. The organization was established with the primary goals of producing high-level opera performances in the state's capital, providing free annual opera experiences to school children, and showcasing the talents of local artists alongside internationally renowned musicians. Since its inception, Opéra Louisiane has made significant strides in the cultural landscape of Baton Rouge. One of its notable early achievements was the collaboration with LPB to produce the Opéra Louisiane Gala concert at the Baton Rouge River Center, featuring international opera stars. The company's commitment to education was demonstrated with its first Young People’s Opera, Mozart’s "The Magic Flute," in 2008, funded by a generous grant from Mayor Kip Holden, the City Parish of East Baton Rouge, and other sponsors such as the Pennington Foundation, The Arts Council of Baton Rouge, and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. This initiative has allowed over 37,000 local students from the 4th to 6th grades to experience fully staged operas. Opéra Louisiane's outreach extends to filling the gap left by music program budget cuts in schools, emphasizing the importance of arts education. The company's production quality is exemplified by events such as the full production of "Elixir of Love" in 2013 and "Madama Butterfly" in 2015, both at the Baton Rouge River Center Theatre. In 2019, the company presented sold-out performances of "Carmen" at the Manship Theater at Shaw Center for the Arts and launched the High School Opera Initiative to reach students from economically disadvantaged communities. The organization also hosts the Lunch with Leanne series, offering concerts in an intimate setting, and two major fundraisers: the Opéra Summer Soirée and Sing and Swing, a celebrity karaoke competition. Over twelve years, Opéra Louisiane has employed over 320 local musicians, worked with more than 100 Louisiana theater professionals, brought 36 opera stars with international reputations to Baton Rouge, and sold over 25,000 tickets. Under the leadership of General Director & CEO Kathryn Frady and Artistic Director Michael Borowitz, the company has seen its budget quadruple since 2011 while maintaining a debt-free status. The Board of Directors, comprising individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, supports the organization's mission and vision. Opéra Louisiane's mission is to present high-quality, professional operatic performances to culturally enrich the community, educate school children, and provide performance opportunities for Louisiana artists. Its vision is to be a regionally recognized, financially viable opera company that showcases internationally acclaimed talent and offers career opportunities to local artists. The organization upholds a value statement emphasizing integrity, quality, and professionalism, ensuring its commitment to these principles in all its endeavors.