Cleveland Opera Theater

Programs: Opera Cleveland provides professional-quality opera to the community by bringing together nationally and internationally known performers, directors and musicians to create spectacular productions on-stage. Opera Cleveland?s 2008 season will include: La bohème by Giamcomo Puccini: April 18, 20 & 26, 2008 at the State Theatre, Playhouse Square Le nozze di Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Sept. 26, 28 & Oct. 4, 2008 at the State Theatre, Playhouse Square Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck: Oct. 31, Nov. 2 & 8, 2008 at the State Theatre, Playhouse SquareThe company maintains 3,000 subscribers and the 2007 season total attendance was 20,105. Opera Cleveland has maintained the 30-year tradition of Cleveland Opera's education and outreach department and continues to provide the same high level of academic and artistic engagement to the students. Our programs ensure that students and members of the community are exposed to great musical works and experience the creative process first-hand. Led by our professional teaching artists, music mentors and performers, students of all ages experience live opera through a variety of interactive programming brought directly to the community. Opera Mini-Residency: Approximately 12,000 students in grades 3-8 are engaged in studying, rehearsing and presenting a condensed version of a well-known opera alongside professional singers. The preparation and work culminates in performances for peers and families. Past operas have been The Pirates of Penzance and The Barber of Seville. This season will feature Bizet?s Carmen. Music! Words! Opera!: Students in 12-15 northeast Ohio schools are led through a study of opera in the classroom (e.g. Hansel and Gretel) followed by activities that engage them in the process of writing, composing and presenting their own original opera for peers, friends and family. Children's Operas: Approximately 24,000 students are introduced to the world of opera through 50-minute pieces based on well-known, classic literature. Musicians and a production team travel with a full set, props, costumes and technical equipment to present opera for young audiences in venues such as schools, theaters and community centers. Great Works! School Matinee program: Up to 3,000 students attend an Opera Cleveland full-length opera performance at the State Theatre following in-school study that includes special introductory performances presented by the company?s teaching artists. It is anticipated that students will have the opportunity to attend all three productions in the 2008 season. Other outreach programs: Opera enthusiasts and novices are exposed to opera in the community. Through the Operatic Adventure Series and special programs for senior adults, The company is able to touch the lives of a diverse sample of the population.