Toledo Opera Chorus The Opera Guild Primo Divos Operazzi TOLEDO OPERA AT YOUR FUNCTION OR VENUE PAST PRODUCTIONS 2005-2006 2004-2005 2003-2004 2002-2003 |
Mission
The History of Toledo Opera For nearly half a century, Toledo Opera, northwest Ohio's only fully professional regional opera company, has fulfilled its mission of providing professional performances of grand opera and Broadway national tours at reasonable prices to citizens in northwest and west central Ohio, as well as providing an impressive array of education and outreach programs. Founded by a group of visionary community leaders in 1959, Toledo Opera opened its first season with Verdi's monumental Aida in the 3,500-seat Paramount Theater in downtown Toledo. Two years later the company moved to the Peristyle Theater at The Toledo Museum of Art and since that time has performed in both the 1,700-seat Peristyle Auditorium and the 2,400-seat Stranahan Theater. In 1987 the company incorporated educational programs for schools, community centers, and civic and service organizations in its quest to reach a wider audience. The education of subsequent generations, and their appreciation for the performing arts, is now a major component of the Toledo Opera mission. In 1990 Toledo Opera incorporated touring Broadway shows into its performance series to expand the company's service base and to ensure that this valued entertainment option remained viable in northwest Ohio. With the 1995-96 season, the Opera took another step in its development as a quality regional opera company and valued community resource by presenting the world premiere performances of American composer Jay Pouhe's opera Pantomime. In the following season the company presented the regional premiere of Bellini's spectacular grand opera, Norma. In September 1997 Toledo Opera successfully completed its first-ever capital campaign, raising $1.65 million to match a $1 million challenge from a former board chairman. The endowment fund thus created has ensured the financial stability of Toledo Opera and provided opportunities for further artistic growth. In October 1999 Toledo Opera opened its Fortieth Anniversary Season as the primary performing arts organization in the newly recreated 900-seat Valentine Theatre in downtown Toledo. Toledo Opera is now universally recognized as one of the major cultural institutions in northwest Ohio and one of the greatest regional opera companies in the United States. The appointment in 2001 of Renay Conlin as General Director ushered in a new era for Toledo Opera. Ticket sales, both subscription and single, soared to new heights in the 2002-2003 season. For the first time in the company's history the annual Opera Gala Concert sold out, as Ms. Conlin changed its format from recitals to themed events such as Opera Goes to the Movies and A Night in Old Vienna. In 2003-2004 a fourth staged opera was added to the season: Six performances of Gian-Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors were enjoyed by large audiences of families during the holidays. Ms. Conlin's success in programming contemporary operas, many by American composers, along with traditional favorites from the popular repertoire, has made Toledo Opera a more lively component of the area's arts community. Her policy of opening dress rehearsals to school children and college students has introduced the wonders of opera to a generation who otherwise receive little or no exposure to performing arts. Ms. Conlin's vision for Toledo Opera's future combines growth in artistic excellence, a gradual increase in the Opera's offerings to the public, and continued enhancement to the quality of life in the region. |
