There are many incredible reasons to support OperaDelaware but we’ll start with the following 10 listed below. Feel free to add more to our list. What do you think we should add? Why does OperaDelaware matter to you?
1.) We produce stunning and critically acclaimed productions. Over the years, OD continues to raise the bar which brings regional and national attention to Wilmington. This year OperaDelaware was lauded in Philadelphia and in The World of Opera for making opera “accessible to the 21st century audience.” In addition, we adjusted our season, diversified our productions and expanded our popular Studio Series to communities throughout the state.
2.) We find, nurture and cast talented new artists that influence opera in Delaware and around the world. All year long, Lee Kimball and Jeffrey Miller are in search of new and extraordinary talent and the “next Beverly Sills” [The Philadelphia Inquirer] for our productions. Present day national and international stars that received their debuts on OD’s stages include: Robert Brubaker, Lisa Daltirus, Colleen Daly, Othalie Graham, Youna Jang, and Ailyn Perez.
3.) We serve children and teens through our opera education programs. OD brings the exhilarating and rich world of opera to approximately 4,000 students throughout the state of Delaware. OD provides in-depth residencies in underserved schools in Wilmington and offers a first experience with classical music and drama for many elementary and middle school students through our Youth Opera Productions at our Studio and in local schools. OD also makes opera accessible to older students by offering a free “Student Dress Rehearsal” and discounted tickets to shows.
4.) We provide year-long, statewide programs for adults. OD hosts various events to educate and familiarize patrons about the upcoming operas. OD’s community engagement programs enrich the opera experience for life-long aficionados, first timers and everyone in between. Our education programs deliver dynamic presentations to groups across the region and include explorations into OD’s Season productions, basic opera previews, advanced master classes and opera clubs. Our programs allow groups to tailor presentations to fit their specific interests.
5.) We balanced our operating budget. Times have been challenging for everyone but OD has, over the past four years, become a much stronger and more mature enterprise. OD is unusual among arts organizations, insofar as it reduced its operating deficit from $495,000 in FY07, just before the onset of the “great recession,” to ending FY10 $19,000 in the black. Our budget has been reduced by one-third over the last four years; however, our artistic and education offerings have more than doubled in the same timeframe. OD is on track for its third consecutive year of a balanced budget and has a viable plan to reduce its debt - making us one of the strongest arts institutions in the state. Thus, our operating budget trend line is positive at a time when numerous opera and other performing arts organizations nationwide are declaring bankruptcy. We are pleased to announce that we have received substantial grants from The Longwood Foundation and the Delaware Community Foundation for capital improvements to our Studio.
6.) We function as a production house, rehearsal and performance space for many arts organizations. OD’s Studio on the Riverfront keeps the arts alive, affordable and accessible for more than 3,500 people. It’s a home for our administrative offices and our education programs. It’s a performance and rehearsals space for OD’s Studio Series and Main Stage operas and organizations such as Bootstrap, The City Theatre Company, Wilmington Fringe Festival and Center City Opera Theatre. It’s a production space for Arden Singers, The Brandywinders, The First State Ballet,DelawareTheater Company, Wilmington Drama League, Stonegates,TempleandRowanUniversities.
7.) We own gorgeous sets and costumes. OD sets and costumes are built and crafted in Wilmington. Ownership of these items minimizes OD’s dependability on other organizations and saves thousands in rental fees. Besides the savings, OD has another source of income from the rentals of these items to other companies and schools throughout the state.
8.) We bolster local economy and are an integral part of the community. Approximately 90% of OD’s annual budget is returned back to Delaware each year. This is due to the usage of local performing arts groups, vendors and services. Just think of the impact that our 2,500 patrons who attended La Traviata had on our community. They visited restaurants before or after the show, paid for parking, bought gas, paid tolls and some even stayed overnight.
9.) We provide employment to hundreds. OD employed nearly 250 local artisans - some of whom may be your friends and neighbors - over the course of last season. This included, singers, actors, stagehands, hair and makeup artists and local performing arts groups such as the First State Ballet Theatre and many members of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra to name a few.
10.) We improve “Quality of Life” and build Delaware’s reputation. OD and other fine arts add toDelaware’s “Quality of Life” and provide that valued and desired commodity to industries looking for a site in which to operate that in turn, attracts and retains the best employees. And most importantly, OD builds Delaware’s reputation and gives Delawareans a sense of pride and joy!
Would love to hear your thoughts on Why Opera Matters… post a comment and let us know.