Our Story

Founded in 1959, Toledo Opera remains committed to producing high-quality operas, operettas, and musicals, reaching approximately 30,000 people annually through mainstage performances, educational programs, and community outreach.

Each year, Toledo Opera presents fully-staged operas, operettas, and/or musicals at the historic 900-seat Valentine Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Toledo. These productions are presented in partnership with Toledo Symphony, with the Toledo Opera Chorus and Toledo Opera Children’s Chorus participating as needed.

A cornerstone of Toledo Opera’s mission, the organization’s educational and community programs serve all ages and demographics. Programs like An Opera Is a Story for preschool students, Opera on Wheels for elementary students, and Student Night at the Opera for middle and high school students are key to engaging young audiences. The broader community is reached through initiatives such as Opera Outdoors, Opera Out of the Box, and mainstage companion programming, which bring the artform beyond traditional venues and into accessible, public spaces. Toledo Opera remains steadfast in its commitment to growing and expanding this program in order to meet needs within the greater Toledo community.

In 2017, Toledo Opera convened a Community Engagement Advisory Committee to engage the wider Toledo community and co-create programs that emphasize opera’s relevance to contemporary issues as experienced by Toledo-area residents. This commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement has continued to evolve, influencing new projects and partnerships.

As of 2024, Toledo Opera looks to the future with excitement. Under new leadership, the Company continues its ongoing efforts to advance the operatic art form in the region through exceptional artistry and meaningful community connections.