Friday, October 28 – Sunday, November 6
#OperaWeek

Isaac Mizrahi, Honorary Chairman, Encourages Everyone to Experience Opera

Opera Advocacy Day 2016: Tuesday, November 1

Opera companies, schools and organizations across North America will celebrate the eighth annual National Opera Week (operaamerica.org/OperaWeek) from Friday, October 28 through Sunday, November 6, 2016, with nearly 200 opera activities and announcements in their communities. Part of National Opera Week for the second year, Opera Advocacy Day (November 1), empowers individuals to take action to support the art form. National Opera Week and Opera Advocacy Day are coordinated by OPERA America, the national service organization for opera and the nation’s leading champion for American opera.

OPERA America is delighted to announce that famous designer and beloved television personality Isaac Mizrahi is serving as the Honorary Chairman of National Opera Week 2016, encouraging audiences to explore opera.

“The more you know about opera, the more you know about life,” stated Mizrahi. “Opera is as important to me as sports are to other people — an opera season is like Wimbledon or the World Series. The power of great singing is more than any other physical effort and ten times as gratifying.”

Mr. Mizrahi welcomes audiences to National Opera Week in a video message, viewable at operaamerica.org/OperaWeek and on the organization’s YouTube channel.

National Opera Week celebrates the vibrancy of opera in America today and conveys the excitement and importance of opera to a national and international audience. The strength and diversity of established opera companies, community opera ensembles, opera training programs and individual opera artists across North America will be on display through the wide array of events offered. These activities include performances, family activities, lectures, social events, tours, trivia contests and announcements of year-round community impact.

“Opera is thriving across the United States and Canada,” stated OPERA America President/CEO Marc A. Scorca. “Cities large and small are home to vibrant opera organizations that serve the public inside the opera house with inspiring productions and in the community with performances in alternative venues, events for families and inspiring introductions to the magic of the art form. National Opera Week demonstrates and celebrates the diversity of our art form today that promises an exciting future for opera across the country.”

On Tuesday, November 1, Opera Advocacy Day provides an opportunity for individuals who work in or love opera to show their commitment to the art form by urging lawmakers and community leaders to support arts education and other policies and legislation that promote opera and the performing arts. Facts, talking points and other resources are available on the National Opera Week website (operaamerica.org/OperaWeek) and through the Performing Arts Alliance (theperformingartsalliance.org), of which OPERA America is a founding member.

“Nothing makes a bigger difference than when policymakers and community leaders hear from their constituents,” stated Brandon Gryde, director of government affairs at OPERA America. “Whether the issue most important to you is arts education in our schools, funding for the National Endowment for the Arts or tax policies for nonprofits, change won’t happen if we don’t raise our voices. Opera Advocacy Day is a great opportunity for opera leaders, artists and lovers of the art form to share how opera and the performing arts make our communities healthier and more vibrant.”

Descriptions of select National Opera Week activities and lists of participating organizations and event locations may be found below.

Visit operaamerica.org/OperaWeek for a full listing of National Opera Week activities,
a welcome video from Honorary Chairman Isaac Mizrahi and Opera Advocacy Day resources.

Join the National Opera Week conversation on social media with #OperaWeek.

Select Activities

Opera on Tap: The Parksville Murders Exclusive Preview (October 27)
Join Opera on Tap and the DUMBO BID for an exclusive sneak preview of The Parksville Murders, an episodic horror opera created for virtual reality! The evening will feature a VR viewing of the full first episode, as well as live music featuring Bombay Rickey and The Cameramen. Every free RSVP comes with one complimentary drink. (New York, NY)

PORTopera: Opera Chorus Singalong (October 28)
PORTopera invites anyone who has ever wanted to sing some of the greatest opera choruses to come together under the direction of the company’s chorus master, Dr. Robert Russell. Attendees will rehearse for an hour, enjoy a break with light refreshments and come back together to sing all of the choruses. (Portland, ME)

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis: Sensory-Friendly Performance of The Pirates of Penzance (October 29)
For the first time, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is making its "Opera on the GO!" program available to the public at a special event designed to welcome young people with sensory sensitivities. Participants will enjoy two behind-the-scenes workshops and then experience an abbreviated performance of The Pirates of Penzance. (St. Louis, MO)

Opera Carolina: Halloween Flash Mob & HOPera Carolina Beer Launch (October 29)
What happens when opera and beer collide? Find out for yourself at D9 Brewing Company, where Opera Carolina will present a thrilling opera surprise and premiere its delicious namesake beer, HOPera Carolina. (Cornelius, NC)

San Diego Opera: Cinderella Family Fun Day (October 30)
San Diego Opera is proud to offer a Family Package for Rossini's witty take on the classic Cinderella tale, with special discounts for children and adults! This family-friendly matinee will include face painters, cookies for kids, photo ops with a prince and princess, backstage tours and much more! (San Diego, CA)

Juventas New Music Ensemble: Boston New Music Festival Kick-Off (November 2)
Juventas New Music will showcase today's musical pioneers by featuring some of Boston's 30+ new music ensembles in a variety of performances. This kick-off for Boston New Music Festival will feature circus arts, indie opera and the latest in contemporary instrumental performance. (Boston, MA)

Madison Opera: Shakespeare’s First Folio (November 3)
Shakespeare’s First Folio goes on display at the Chazen Museum of Art the same weekend that Madison Opera presents Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet. To celebrate, Madison Opera Studio Artists will sing excerpts from the opera at the exhibition’s opening reception. (Madison, WI)

OPERA America: Professional Development Symposium (November 5–6)
Do you love opera and want to see it grow? Join OPERA America and arts practitioners from around New York City for two inspiring days of networking, learning and strategizing. Perfect for both new and experienced administrators. Registration ($25) closes November 3! (New York, NY)

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