Pittsburgh Opera, Inc.

- Provide audiences with opportunities to experience the full range of operatic and vocal repertoire
- Sustain accessibility and affordability of Pittsburgh Opera’s programs
- Expand Pittsburgh Opera’s civic impact in our region
- Support careers of emerging opera professionals

- Programming seasons that include popular works alongside contemporary American operas, including world and regional premieres
- Presenting additional concerts at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters and locations throughout the region to expand the range of vocal repertoire presented in live performances
- Continued livestreaming to sustain engagement with audiences who might be cautious about returning to large performing venues or who live outside of Pittsburgh Opera’s immediate geographic area
- Strengthening community connections with programs of civic significance and new partnerships in the area of inclusion, diversity, and equity
- Expanding the Resident Artist program to create opportunities in the areas of production and artistic management

Pittsburgh Opera is recognized regionally and nationally for increasing the range of repertoire; for providing important professional growth opportunities to performers, directors, and designers; and for its commitment to expanding the impact of each production to the widest audience possible with programs that meet the diverse needs of our community. The world premiere of The Summer King in spring 2017 defined the company’s vision for success in the 21st century with renewed commitment to artistic growth and exploration, deep community connections, and strong civic engagement. Pittsburgh Opera’s efforts to create opera-based programs that engage a diverse audience have been recognized by the 2019 International Opera Awards, which chose Pittsburgh Opera as the only American opera company finalist in the Education & Outreach category.

Pittsburgh Opera’s response to the public health requirements of the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the value and importance of cultivating a robust Resident Artist program. During the months of strict regulations on public gatherings, our resident artists sustained the company’s artistic voice and carried the full load of all productions and numerous additional performances in our redesigned season. In an effort to create conditions that support greater participation of BIPOC individuals in the arts institutions at all levels of artistic and management operations, Pittsburgh Opera is planning an expansion of the Resident Artist program to establish a Resident Artist position in the Production Department that would be targeted to attract BIPOC applicants.

Pittsburgh Opera’s response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrates the company’s ability to create innovative artistic programs, transition its education and engagement programs for virtual delivery, and develop innovative approaches for sustaining engagement of our patrons and donors. The wide reach of Pittsburgh Opera’s digital offerings, the sold-out performances with in-person audiences of our production of Così fan tutte in October 2021, and the enthusiastic participation in our education and engagement programs indicate that there is a strong demand for opera performances and opera-related program in our community. The strategies that supported Pittsburgh Opera as one of the few arts organizations to continue producing new artistic programs and contributed to the success of our fundraising activities during the period of tight restrictions on in-person experiences will help advance our commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement next season.