Regional Opera Company of the Week: Tulsa Opera

The first recorded opera performance in Tulsa dates back to 1904 with a production of Faust- just six years after the city was incorporated. Forty-four years later, in 1948, an official company was started, known today as Tulsa Opera. In the early years the Company presented opera and operettas twice yearly with only one or two paid professional singers but quickly it became evident that this was not enough. The company continued to grow with every season and is now the 18^th oldest opera company in North America and has continued to grow and gain support over the years. Tulsa opera is now ranked among the ten favorite regional opera companies in the United States. The company now presents three grand opera each season and draws audiences from a five state region that includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas.

In addition to the main stage performances, each season Tulsa Opera has an extensive education and outreach program for adults and children statewide. Among these offerings are the Tulsa Youth Opera (TYO)- a free auditioned chorus for 3^rd-12^th grade singers, Opera on Tour! a statewide elementary and middle school opera tour, an apprenticeship program for young professional singers call the Studio Artist Program, an annual full-length Student Matinee performances for 2,300 students, as well as teacher workshop. Tulsa Opera educational programs continue to increase in popularity. A record-breaking season in 2010-2011 reached over 60,000 Oklahoma students in more than 140 schools with the Opera on Tour program.

This season is finishing out with Aida next month. Be sure to check out Verdi's most popular opera at Tulsa Opera on April 20, 26 and 28.

With many 2012-13 opera seasons coming to a close across the country, we look forward to the coming seasons ahead. Take a look at what Tulsa Opera has in store for their 66th season, "LOVE, LUST AND RELIGION."

Reserve your season tickets today by completing the form below or calling the Tulsa Opera box office at 918-587-4811. View the seating map to help select your seats.