Tulsa Opera

Tulsa Opera is a venerable institution in the American operatic landscape, renowned for its rich history and significant cultural contributions to the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the broader region. Established as the first performing arts organization in Oklahoma, Tulsa Opera holds the distinction of being the 12th oldest opera company in North America. It has been recognized as one of America's Top 10 favorite regional opera companies by ''Opera News'' magazine. ===History=== The origins of Tulsa Opera can be traced back to the city's earliest settlers and their aspirations to establish a sophisticated cultural scene. In 1904, just six years after the incorporation of Tulsa as a city, the first documented opera performance took place with Gounod's ''Faust'' at the Epperson Opera House. The city's rapid transformation into the Oil Capital of the World attracted a citizenry with a refined taste for the arts, leading to the prioritization of an opera house over other infrastructural luxuries. The 1930s and 1940s marked a period of resilience and growth for opera in Tulsa, despite the challenges of the Great Depression. The University of Tulsa's Dean of Music, Albert Lukken, produced a grand staging of Verdi's ''Aïda'' at Skelly Stadium, drawing a record attendance. The official establishment of the Tulsa Opera Club occurred on December 4th, 1948, with a sold-out performance of Verdi's ''La Traviata'' at Central High School Auditorium. This milestone was facilitated by the efforts of local opera enthusiasts, including the Sassano couple, who were instrumental in founding the organization. In the 1950s, Tulsa Opera Inc. emerged, and the company began to garner community support, transitioning to grand opera productions. The 1960s saw the company gain national attention, with features in ''Life Magazine'' and collaborations with Metropolitan Opera stars during a strike at the Met. Educational initiatives for children were also introduced, laying the foundation for Tulsa Opera's longstanding commitment to education. The 1990s and the new millennium brought international recognition to Tulsa Opera through global collaborations and premieres, including the global premiere of Rachel Portman's ''The Little Prince''. The company also hosted the debuts of future opera stars such as Joyce DiDonato and Stephanie Blythe. ===Recent Developments and Educational Focus=== Since 2010, Tulsa Opera has intensified its focus on education, expanding the Tulsa Youth Opera's training program and introducing the RAISE YOUR VOICE initiative in collaboration with Tulsa Public Schools to counteract music program cuts. Today, under the leadership of General Director Ken McConnell and Artistic Director Tobias Picker, Tulsa Opera continues to present a blend of international stars and emerging talent. The company has made history with groundbreaking performances, such as casting the first fully transgender woman in a leading role in an American opera with Lucia Lucas in ''Don Giovanni''. ===Legacy and Future=== Tulsa Opera is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Tulsa, celebrating its 75th anniversary in the 2023-2024 season. With a legacy of beautiful singing and a commitment to artistic excellence, Tulsa Opera remains a beacon of operatic artistry, education, and innovation, looking forward to a future filled with artistic achievements and community engagement.