Marble City Opera

Marble City Opera (MCO) is a chamber opera company located in Knoxville, Tennessee, known for its American Chamber Opera productions and innovative performances of traditional operas aimed at reaching new audiences. Founded in 2013 by soprano Kathryn Frady and baritone Kevin Doherty, the company has been under the Executive Artistic Leadership of Frady since 2014. MCO's mission is to provide world-class performances while also supporting local, regional, and emerging artists. Since its inception, Marble City Opera has produced 26 fully staged productions, which include a total of 30 operas, nine premieres, and three new operas currently in development. Kathryn Frady, the company's Founding Executive Artistic Director, has been recognized for her contributions to the Knoxville community, receiving accolades such as being named one of the "Ten Women in Knoxville who Make a Difference" by The Knoxville Mercury in 2016 and being honored as a "Trailblazer" by A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee in 2019. Marble City Opera has established itself as an innovative force in the opera community with notable productions such as the World Premiere of "Shadowlight" by Larry Delinger, which was highlighted by Opera Wire as one of the top six operas to see in February 2020. The company has also been praised for its creative stagings, including an all-female cast of "La Boheme" in a nightclub setting and "La Traviata" in a historic home where audiences moved with the action from room to room. Four of MCO's productions have been named "Most Memorable Opera of the Year," showcasing the company's impact on the opera scene. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marble City Opera adapted by implementing safety measures and continuing performances. Frady, who worked with the Health Department of Knoxville as a COVID coordinator, led the company in producing the first live opera performance in the United States during the pandemic with a reimagined outdoor production of "Pagliacci" in August 2020. MCO offered a hybrid season of in-person and online viewings to maintain its performance schedule. Marble City Opera is also committed to inclusivity and addressing social themes. This commitment is reflected in productions that focus on underrepresented artists and stories, such as "La Femme Boheme," "Amelia Lost," and "Shadowlight." The company's dedication to social issues was evident from its first full production with an orchestra in 2013, where Frady donated 9 inches of her hair and audience donations to Children with Hair Loss after the final performance of "The Gift of the Magi." The organization is governed by an Executive Committee and Board of Members, who are integral to its operations and strategic direction. The Executive Committee is led by Kimberly Henry as Chair, with other key positions held by James Marvel (Vice Chair), Angie Luckie (Secretary), and April Hill (Treasurer). The board consists of a diverse group of individuals who contribute their expertise to the growth and success of Marble City Opera. Marble City Opera continues to be a vibrant part of the Knoxville arts scene, engaging with the community and fostering a love for opera through its productions and educational outreach.