OperaDelaware

OperaDelaware, established in 1945, is the 11th oldest opera company in the United States and the only professional opera company in Delaware. Founded by local artisans led by Chick Laird, the company aimed to present classic opera with top-tier voices in Wilmington at accessible prices. OperaDelaware has since grown to serve a geographically and culturally diverse audience across the East Coast, while maintaining deep roots in Wilmington. The company is recognized for its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, striving to make opera accessible to all. OperaDelaware operates on a $1.5 million annual budget, employing nearly 250 local artists and staff throughout its season. It has been a recipient of significant grants and numerous awards, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the Governor’s Award for the Arts. The organization is dedicated to arts education, providing resources to schools lacking such programs. Under the leadership of General Director Brendan Cooke since 2012, OperaDelaware has expanded its reach and influence, nurturing artists who have performed in major opera houses worldwide. The company also offers event rentals at its Wilmington Riverfront location, featuring spaces like The Ethel L. Sayre Recital Hall and The Presser Black Box Theater.