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The Opera is now considered to be among the top regional companies in the US |
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The mission of Madison Opera is to engage, inspire, and enrich Greater Madison and the State of Wisconsin through the performance of world-class, professional opera.
In pursuit of that mission, Madison Opera strives to:
• Present professional opera of the highest quality.
• Advance appreciation of this art form.
• Explore new and culturally diverse works.
• Expand its reach to diverse communities.
• Awaken new audiences to the excitement of opera.
History
Madison Opera was founded in 1961 under the Madison Civic Music Association (MCMA). Originally called The Opera Workshop, by 1962 it was renamed the Madison Civic Opera Guild. As a part of the MCMA, the Opera joined with the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Symphony Chorus under the guidance of Roland Johnson (MCMA Music Director). Maestro Johnson and his wife, stage director/singer Arline Johnson energized Madison's singers and music lovers to bring Madison Opera into existence. In the beginning years, there was one opera per year, featuring local artists and a budget of merely $6,000.
Arline Johnson conducts a rehearsal. The Opera is now considered to be among the top regional companies in the US, producing two major operas annually, a free operatic event in the summer, and plans for expanding its season in the future. The production history boasts an amazing breadth of repertoire, including a commissioned world premiere in 1993 and a co-commission Midwest premiere in 2005. Madison Opera now regularly presents singers known throughout the world's leading opera houses.
In the mid-80's, after years of work as the company's pianist, Ann Stanke assumed the role of the organization's first General Director. John DeMain became Artistic Director of the Opera upon the retirement of Roland Johnson in 1994.
In 1993, Madison Opera gained special recognition when it commissioned its first world premiere work, Shining Brow. Composed by Daron Aric Hagen (libretto by Irish poet Paul Muldoon) and based on a period in the life of Wisconsin-born architect Frank Lloyd Wright, not only was the work itself deemed an important 20th century opera, but Madison Opera received countless national accolades including, from The New York Times, a reference to "that plucky little company that dared to take a risk." The premiere attracted an audience from around the world.
Overture Center (Photo Jim Brozek)
In September 2004, Madison Opera stepped onto a new stage with the opening of Overture Hall in the magnificent new performance center donated by Madison businessman W. Jerome Frautschi. The Opera's first full production in the new hall was its most lavish ever, a sold-out bravura Turandot that dazzled audiences with David Hockney's opulent sets and costumes.
Madison Opera extended its artistic reach again in 2005 with a co-commission with Houston Grand Opera and Seattle Opera of The End of the Affair, a new opera by American composer, Jake Heggie (libretto by Heather MacDonald).
Upon the July 1, 2005, retirement of long-time General Director Ann Stanke, Allan E. Naplan became the company's second General Director, coming to Madison from Pittsburgh Opera. A former professional opera singer and artistic administrator, Naplan took over the leadership of the company.
Madison Opera is in the midst of exciting times. Thanks, in large part, to the creation of the Overture Center for the Arts (OCA), Madison Opera has recently reached new heights in the artistic excellence of the organization, and these accomplishments have clearly been recognized by audiences and press alike. With audience attendance at an all-time high, and recent press reviews championing our efforts (“Madison Opera’s first production of this season is arguably its finest achievement to date” – Isthmus, November 2006 review of Rigoletto), the company is truly poised for great things.
Ever eager to broaden the audience for opera, Madison Opera has garnered significant recognition from its annual Student Matinee, popular Student Ticket Discount program, Opera in the Park (2007 audience reached a record breaking 12,500), and its newest education initiative, Opera Up Close. Through innovative programming, multi-faceted outreach, and increased community collaboration, the Madison Opera now has the ability to reach every member of our community. With new technology/media relationships, Madison Opera programming is now available via Wisconsin Public Radio broadcasts and webcasts, Madison City Channel 12 television broadcasts and internet webcasts, as well as the use of our own website at madisonopera.org. The Opera is reaching new audiences, as well, through education programming for every age. The adult education series, Opera Up Close, continues to grow in popularity. The Student Matinee, now in its 27th year, offers 1,700 Wisconsin high school students a seat to the dress rehearsal of the spring production. Our newest initiative, A Night at the Opera, partners with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County in offering seats to young people and their mentors at no charge, and the Pre-Opera Talks are now reaching standing room only crowds.
Now, more than ever, Madison Opera is thriving due to its enhanced ability to reach and serve more members of Greater Madison and the State of Wisconsin through the presentation of world-class opera, the expansion of outreach and education activities, and the cultivation of strong partnerships that lead to the stability of the company. Madison Opera continues to grow artistically while furthering its mission of engaging, inspiring, and enriching the greater community through the presentation of opera
With so much to offer, it's hard to put a finger on what exactly makes Madison the perfect destination to get away from it all. It could be the excitement of Madison Opera productions, the beauty of the city lakes and parks, the charming shops and restaurants on State Street, the wide variety of museums and other cultural offerings, Saturday mornings Farmer's Market, the beautiful capital building, the hunger for knowledge from students at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, the captivating sports events, or even the miles of bike paths around the city. Whatever brings you to Madison, we know that you will enjoy the diverse offerings of this city that we take pride in. We hope to see you in Madison soon!
For more information on Madison, click here.
Dining and Lodging
Make your opera experience even more special by enjoying the fine food and lodging that the Madison area offers.
Take advantage of early bird parking near the Overture Center and dine before the performance. Whether you like a good steak, seafood or ethnic specialties, there are dozens of fine restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the Overture Center to satisfy your pre-opera hunger. Prefer dessert or lighter faire after the performance? Many Madison restaurants offer late-night options.
Madison Opera is once again proud to present the annual Opera in the Park concert. In what has become a much beloved Madison summer tradition, Opera in the Park features familiar opera hits, the best of Broadway, as well as musical highlights from the upcoming Madison Opera mainstage season. Performed by the outstanding talents of the Madison Opera Chorus, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and some of opera’s brightest stars, Opera in the Park is a FREE community event perfect for audiences of ALL ages!
Opera in the Park 2008 Sponsor
Directions to Garner Park
From Interstate 90, take the Highway 12/18 exit, heading West.
Follow Highway 12/18 until the Whitney Way exit. Take the Whitney Way exit and turn right. You will be heading north..
Continue on Whitney Way until the intersection with Mineral Point Road. Turn left on Mineral Point Road.
At the first stop light, turn right on South Rosa Road.
Garner Park is located on the right-hand side. The stage will be set up toward the end of the block, in the outfield of the baseball field, at the corner of South Rosa Road and South Hill Drive.
Parking for Opera in the Park is provided by CUNA Mutual and the Businesses of UW Research Park area.
Donate to Madison Opera
CONTRIBUTE ONLINE Click Here
You can easily make a contribution to Madison Opera. Contact the Madison Opera at info@madisonopera.org or (608) 238-8085 for personal assistance, or mail a check to:
Madison Opera
3414 Monroe Street
Madison, WI 53711
Individual Giving
Making a donation to Madison Opera means you're interested in keeping live opera thriving in Madison. Whether you are an opera aficionado, are new to opera, or just desire to keep Madison rich with diverse cultural offerings, your donation is the driving force to producing the grand theatrical and musical experience that only opera can provide. As a patron, you will be part of a growing community who acknowledge Madison Opera's regional reputation for artistic excellence and you will be supporting the Madison Opera educational and outreach programs.
Without donors, there would be no opera. Ticket income only accounts for 40% of our budget, and less than one-half of the cost of a production; ticket prices would at least double without the support of Madison Opera patrons.
All patrons receive special benefits according to their level of giving. Gifts are entirely tax deductible as allowed by law.
Join us for behind-the-scenes previews of each of this season’s productions. With extensive multi-media presentations, engaging guest artist commentaries, historical perspectives and musical and production explorations of each opera, there’s no better way to gain access into the operatic art form. This popular series regularly attracts capacity crowds to the beautiful Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Lecture Hall. Don’t miss your opportunity to get “Up Close” with Madison Opera.
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