Opera Providence engages and inspires audiences through opera as the ultimate theater experience of music. Over the last seven years, it has enjoyed rave reviews for its performances of La Boheme, Carmen, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, Rigoletto, Cinderella, The Pirates of Penzance, Opera2Broadway, Porgy and Bess and Fiesta de la Zarzuela. For the second year, Opera Providence presented its free outdoor concert series, Opera on the Hill, on Sundays in July to an overflowing and highly enthusiastic audience of more than 3500 people. Our opening production of the 2005-2006 season, Hansel and Gretel, was presented both in Providence and Bristol to a highly appreciative audience. In February 2006, Opera Providence presented the Italian One-Acts Project, with Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Puccini’s Suor Angelica. The project received raved reviews and was funded in part by The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. The production attracted an audience of both opera aficionado’s and new comers to the art form.

Opera Providence is committed to the accessibility of opera in the community as well as bringing opera to new audiences and the underserved community through the OPERAtunity education and outreach program. OPERAtunity serves children and youth in Providence in core urban schools and underserved communities throughout the state. Since 1998, more than 30,000 children, youth and adults have participated in OPERAtunity programs.

Opera Providence was founded as Ocean State Lyric Opera in 1990 by Scott Withrow and Ted Tuttle. It was a community supported performing arts group which specialized in a summer series of fully staged operettas, primarily those of Gilbert and Sullivan.  In 1998, the company began its transition to a professional level opera company and broadened its operatic repertoire. In 2002 the company was renamed Opera Providence in celebration and support of Rhode Island’s capitol city as a premiere arts and cultural destination.

Opera Providence brings superb local and emerging regional talent to the stage, embraces new and diverse audiences, and inspires and educates children and youth. The 2006-2007 Opera Providence season includes Maria de Buenos Aires, Don Pasquale, and the world premiere of Michelangelo.

Opera Providence is led by Executive Director Loriana De Crescenzo. She is supported by a dedicated staff and Board of Directors, with additional assistance from more than 75 volunteers.

Opera Providence was chosen as "Best Cultural Secret" by Rhode Island Monthly magazine. The word is out - Rhode Island is home to one of the most promising opera companies in the United States: Opera Providence.

Opera Providence. Amazing voices. You'll be asking for more.