Opera Memphis facts for kids
Opera Memphis is a special arts group in Memphis, Tennessee. It's a non-profit organization, which means it doesn't aim to make money. It was started in 1956 by people in Memphis who loved opera and wanted to create their own shows.
In the beginning, Opera Memphis mostly used local singers and directors. As the group grew, they started bringing in performers and directors from other areas. Their costumes and stage sets also became much more professional. By the mid-1970s, famous opera singers like Leontyne Price and Beverly Sills came to Memphis to perform in the main roles.
Opera Memphis is well-known for its programs that teach people about opera. These programs reach over 25,000 kids and adults every year! From 1993 to 1995, they received a special grant that helped high school students write and produce their own operas. Today, they offer programs like the Artist-in-Residence Tour, Opera 101, Black Roots of Opera, Student Dress Rehearsals, and a Summer Conservatory.
In 2004, Opera Memphis finished building the Clark Opera Memphis Center in East Memphis. This large building is 19,000 square feet and cost $7.3 million to build. It has a rehearsal hall, a small performance space, a costume shop, and a props shop. The center is a place for the community to gather and celebrate the arts.
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Opera Festival in Midtown
Under the leadership of Ned Canty, Opera Memphis changed its yearly schedule. Instead of three big shows, they now have two main shows and a special event called the Midtown Opera Festival in the spring.
The opera festival includes two smaller shows that are perfect for more intimate spaces. It also features talks about opera and "pay-what-you-can" shows. This means people can pay what they can afford to see the performances.
Who Leads Opera Memphis?
Opera Memphis has had some important leaders over the years.
Michael Ching (1992 to 2010)
In 1992, Michael Ching joined Opera Memphis. He is a composer, conductor, and music manager. He was the Artistic Director until 2010 and also served as the General Director for most of that time. In 2011, Opera Memphis performed his opera called A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was special because it was sung completely a cappella, meaning without any instruments.
Ned Canty (2011 to Present)
In December 2010, Ned Canty became the new General Director of Opera Memphis. He has made many big changes. One of his ideas was "30 Days of Opera." This program started as free, short opera performances in public places around Memphis. The goal was to introduce more people to opera. "30 Days of Opera" moved to April and celebrated its 10th year in 2021.
During the pandemic, Opera Memphis also created the "Sing2Me" program. This program connects audiences with artists for small, pop-up concerts that feature opera and musical theater songs.
