History

Opera Providence engages and inspires audiences through opera as the ultimate arts fusion. Over the past nine years, we have enjoyed rave reviews for our performances from both critics and audiences.  This year marks the fourth year of OP's free outdoor concert series, Opera on the Hill, on Sundays in July, where we receive an overflowing and highly enthusiastic audience of more than 4,000 people.

2006-07

Michelangelo, world premiere by Enrico Garzilli

Don Pasquale by Donizetti

The Bug Opera by Geoffrey Hudson and Alisa Pearson ( in conjunction with Community Music Works)

Maria de Buenos Aires by Piazzola and Ferrer

2005-06

Opera Spectacular

Cavalleria rusticana by Mascagni and Suor Angelica by Puccini

Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck

2004-05

Fiesta de la Zarzuela

That's Amore

2003-04

Porgy and Bess by Gershwin

Murder and Mayhem

Opera2Broadway

2002-03

La Cenerentola by Rossini

Tosca by Puccini

2001

The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan

Madama Butterfly by Puccini

2000

Carmen by Bizet

1999

La Boheme by Puccini

1998

Rigoletto by Verdi

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 35,000 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 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.