Special project 2025/26

THE OPERA AMERICA CONFERENCE: A NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON DELAWARE

Hosting the 2026 OPERA America Conference in Wilmington, Delaware, is a transformative opportunity for OperaDelaware—and for Delaware itself. For the first time, hundreds of opera leaders, artists, administrators, and enthusiasts from across the country will experience firsthand what makes our company and our community extraordinary.

It’s our chance to prove that a nimble, visionary company in a small state can lead bold artistic innovation, redefine sustainability in the arts, and deliver performances that rival the nation’s biggest stages.

THE COMPANY ARTIST MODEL: INVESTING IN OUR WORKFORCE

At OperaDelaware, we’re redefining what it means to build a sustainable career in the arts. Our groundbreaking Company Artist model flips the “starving artist” stereotype on its head by providing professional freelance performers with full-time employment—including salary, benefits, and a housing stipend—while investing in their growth as both artists and administrators. These dynamic artists perform on stages across the country and bring that excellence home to Delaware, where they are deeply embedded in the life of our company: contributing to artistic planning, education, development, marketing, and statewide community engagement.

THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE: A GLORIOUSLY INTIMATE SETTING FOR LARGER-THAN-LIFE OPERA

Experience the thrill of grand opera with full orchestra in the intimate, jewel-box setting of The Grand Opera House—where every note, glance, and gesture is larger than life yet breathtakingly close.

With world-class voices, stirring drama, and unbridled passion, OperaDelaware delivers a powerhouse experience that surrounds you with the grandeur of opera at its most electrifying. Don’t just see it—feel it.

WHY OPERADELAWARE?

What makes OperaDelaware truly special is the bold fusion of legacy and innovation at its core. As America’s 11th oldest opera company, we honor a rich history while fearlessly piloting a groundbreaking new employment model that establishes salaried positions for artists—challenging the outdated “gig” mentality and proving that sustainable careers in opera are possible.

OperaDelaware is not just keeping opera alive—we’re reimagining what it can be, and redefining what it means to lead.

SPECIAL PROJECTS GIVING CIRCLES

$250-$999 DESIGNERS CIRCLE

Exclusive donor keychain
Invitation for 2 to a final dress rehearsal at The Grand (dates predetermined)

$1000-$2549 CONDUCTORS CIRCLE

All previous level benefits, plus…
Exclusive donor enamel pin
Invitation for 2 to the Donor Lounge at all OperaDelaware performances

$2500-$4999 DIRECTORS CIRCLE

All previous level benefits, plus…
Limited edition donor baseball cap
Invitation for 2 to a pre-show Microgala (dates predetermined)

$5000+ EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CIRCLE

All previous level benefits, plus…
A pair of premium tickets to all mainstage and second stage OperaDelaware offerings in the 2025/26 season
Private dinner with OperaDelaware Company Artists and Executive Leadership