Nashville Opera to host Opera Volunteers International Focus Meeting 11/12-15

What do great cities like Sante Fe, Los Angeles, Miami, and Nashville have in common? They all have internationally-acclaimed opera companies, and they now share in the distinction of hosting an Opera Volunteers International (OVI) Focus Meeting. OVI, the Rockport-based non-profit services organization dedicated to assisting arts patrons in the promotion of local opera companies, has selecTed Nashville, TN as the site for their international focus meeting on Nov. 12 - 15, 2009. Nashville was chosen to host the 4-day conference from a pool of other cities vying for the prestigious event because of the excitement throughout the industry surrounding Nashville Opera's ground-breaking staging of Phillip Glass's The Fall of the House of Usher, the merit of the proposal presented by Nashville Opera Guild President Felicia Gates and Past Guild President Shelley Page, and its proximity to the famous Grand Ole' Opry. During the training sessions at the new Noah Liff Opera Center, Nashville Opera's state-of-the-art office and studio complex in Sylvan Heights, delegates will receive training from a team of experts on opera education in schools, social networking, 21st century marketing techniques, and later will attend a performance of America's longest running radio show at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Downtown Nashville. The next night the OVI delegation will see a innovative production of the Phillip Glass opera which will incorporate traditional operatic elements with striking video projections and lighting effects designed by Barry Steele and artistic director, John Hoomes. The conference will conclude on Sunday morning after breakfast at the Sheraton Downtown Nashville Hotel.

"Nashville is the only place where a person can enjoy the Grand Ole' Opry one night and attend a world-class opera performance the next," says Carol Penterman, Executive Director of Nashville Opera. "I am proud to live in a city which embraces all forms of art, and values collaboration. We look forward to showcasing our community for the international delegation from Opera Volunteers International this November."

About Nashville Opera
Nashville Opera, Tennessee's largest professional opera company, is dedicated to creating legendary productions and programs. Among the most successful regional companies in the United States of America, Nashville Opera has a presented three different world premiere operas since its inception in 1981. Main stage performances are presented at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and play to over 17,000 people annually. Nashville Opera's extensive education and outreach touring program reaches an additional 25,000 students in 18 counties throughout Middle Tennessee.