Opera Maine

About Opera Maine Opera Maine is a professional opera company based in Portland, Maine, that has been bringing creative, inspiring, and high-quality opera productions to the community since its inception. The organization is committed to making opera accessible and representative of the local community, as well as fostering young operatic talent and providing educational opportunities related to the art form. ### History The origins of Opera Maine can be traced back to the dream of Bruce Hangen, the Music Director of the Portland Symphony from 1976 to 1985. Hangen envisioned establishing an opera company in Maine, but the lack of a suitable venue in Portland for full-scale opera productions was a significant hurdle. This obstacle was overcome in 1994 when the State Theatre became available, allowing Hangen and a group of friends and supporters to form the Portland Opera Repertory Theater. Dona D. Vaughn was brought on board as the Stage Director for the nascent company. In 2007, the organization was renamed PORTopera, and a decade later, in 2017, it adopted the name Opera Maine. The company's inaugural production was "Carmen," staged at the State Theatre in July 1995, which received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Following this success, Opera Maine presented Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" in 1996, which was also highly praised. The company's growth continued, and in 1997, it moved to the newly renovated Merrill Auditorium in Portland with a production of Puccini's "Tosca." Since then, Opera Maine has produced a single mainstage production each July at Merrill Auditorium, with the exception of 2009, when a special 15th-anniversary concert of opera scenes was presented. ### Educational Endeavors Opera Maine has been active in educational initiatives, starting with the Young Artist Program in 1996, which aimed to support the careers of emerging singers. This program was later expanded and renamed the Studio Artist Program, which has seen nearly 90 different singers participate, performing in mainstage productions and bringing semi-staged operas to residents throughout Maine. ### Artistic Leadership Bruce Hangen served as the company's first Artistic Director and conducted most productions until 2003. Dona D. Vaughn, who had directed every mainstage production, was then named Artistic Director and continues to serve as Stage Director. The company has also worked with internationally renowned conductors such as Stephen Lord, Giovanni Reggioli, Roberto Kalb, and Israel Gursky, who is set to return in 2024. ### Past Seasons Over its twenty-nine-year history, Opera Maine has presented a wide array of the world's favorite operas, from the works of Mozart to Puccini. The productions have been widely acclaimed for their artistic excellence, featuring a mix of rising stars and established artists such as Kate Aldrich and James Morris. ### Leadership and Governance Opera Maine operates as a nonprofit performing arts organization, overseen by a volunteer Board of Trustees, an Advisory Council, and a professional staff. The Board of Trustees consists of eighteen members who share a passion for opera and a commitment to its success in Maine. The staff is led by Artistic Director Dona D. Vaughn, Executive Director Caroline Musica Koelker, and Studio Artist Program Director Richard Gammon. ### Mission and Vision Opera Maine is dedicated to the belief that opera is a vital art form capable of expressing the full range of human emotions and experiences. The company stands against racism and injustice, aligning with the sentiments expressed by OPERA America. Through its productions and educational programs, Opera Maine seeks to be a conduit for enlightenment, empathy, and understanding within the community, emphasizing the resiliency of the human spirit and the transformative power of opera.