Special project: OPERA AMERICA CONFERENCE 2026

IMPACT

Hosting the OPERA America Conference in 2026 places OperaDelaware at the epicenter of the national opera conversation at a truly pivotal moment in our history. As we conclude our groundbreaking two-year pilot of the Company Artist Model—made possible through visionary support from the Longwood Foundation—we have the rare opportunity to share real, replicable solutions for building sustainable careers in the arts.

At the same time, we will present Giordano’s Andrea Chénier, a revolutionary opera about the power and peril of artistic expression, with an added third performance designed specifically to showcase our work on a national stage. The impact is enormous: increased visibility, expanded partnerships, and the chance to position OperaDelaware as a bold, artist-led company shaping the future of opera in America.

INITIAL FUNDING

OperaDelaware is proud to have received funding from the Delaware Division of the Arts in support of hosting the 2026 OPERA America Conference—a substantial investment in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to shine a national spotlight on the First State.

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. Now is the time to support because this is more than a moment—it’s a spotlight, a platform, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate OperaDelaware’s national profile and show the world what the First State can do.

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piloting a groundbreaking new employment model that establishes salaried positions for artists—challenging the outdated “gig” mentality and proving that sustainable careers in opera are possible.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.

WHY WE NEED YOU NOW

With hundreds of opera leaders and enthusiasts coming to Wilmington, we have the stage set to showcase our artist-centered innovation, our statewide impact, and our bold vision for the future of opera. This is a defining moment for OperaDelaware, and we invite you to join the growing choir of support by making a designated gift toward the Conference.

We’re leading the charge in regional collaboration across the Northeast, building powerful artistic partnerships that amplify impact, share resources, and expand access to world-class opera. Your investment today ensures we seize this extraordinary opportunity and show the nation what Delaware can do.

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