Marshall Opera

Marshall Opera is an organization dedicated to the performance and promotion of new and underrepresented operas, with a particular focus on American works and composers from the 20th and 21st centuries. Inspired by Richard Marshall's pioneering career in producing and conducting, Marshall Opera has established itself as a platform for showcasing operas characterized by exceptional musical craftsmanship, a passion for vocal artistry, and a strong sense of dramatic storytelling. The company is known for its commitment to casting that highlights the expressive potential of the human voice. In addition to its mainstage productions, Marshall Opera is engaged in a variety of other activities aimed at enriching the opera community. These include an Oral History Project, which aims to capture and share the insights of seasoned and distinguished living composers. This project involves young artists who conduct interviews with these composers, providing a bridge between generations and fostering an understanding of the musical and cultural context of earlier works. The Oral History Project also features concerts where young artists perform selections from the interviewed composers' operas, alongside pieces by other notable figures included in the project. The next concert is scheduled for April 27, 2024, at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. The leadership of Marshall Opera comprises a dedicated team including a Board of Directors, staff, and a principal conductor, Mark Shapiro. The organization's Artistic and General Director, Jim Schaeffer, has conducted an interview with Dr. J. Richard Marshall, the contemporary opera visionary and the company's namesake, further solidifying the connection between the company's mission and its historical roots. Marshall Opera also engages in educational activities such as lecture-recitals and the publication of scholarly articles, contributing to the broader discourse on opera as an evolving art form. The Embattled Road of the Opera Composer in History by Mark N. Grant is one such example of the intellectual contributions made by the organization. The company invites opera enthusiasts and supporters to join their mailing list for updates and further engagement. Marshall Opera's website and online presence are managed by North Star Sites, ensuring that the organization's digital footprint matches its artistic and educational ambitions. Overall, Marshall Opera stands as a beacon for opera innovation, historical preservation, and community engagement, fostering a vibrant future for the art form while honoring its storied past.