Seattle Opera Celebrates Grand Opening of New Civic Home

Come celebrate the Grand Opening of Seattle Opera's new civic home! This state-of-the-art building will allow the company to expand its work with communities across Washington State, and, from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, members of the public are invited to a free open house.

"When our new civic home opens this winter, Seattle Opera will continue to break down barriers that have previously kept people from being able to participate in opera," said General Director Aidan Lang. "In addition to creating an environment for world-class artistry, we are establishing a welcoming and accessible community resource on the Seattle Center campus, inviting visitors to explore our city's arts and cultural home."

Attendees of the Grand Opening will be able to experience musical performances by Seattle Opera's Chorus and Teen Vocal Studio as well as members of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra (RSVP for performances at 2 p.m. 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.), observe a rehearsal of Il trovatore, learn more about the history of Seattle Opera, as well as Opera Production 101 in a fun, informative talk from Dramaturg Jonathan Dean. Participate in a Seattle Opera Sing-Along with some of Verdi's most popular choruses, and enjoy a Costume Presentation with Costume Director Susan Davis. Additionally, people can check out the space via self-guided tour.

Seattle Opera's new, state-of-the-art facility includes:

- A total of 105,000 square feet (with 20,000 square feet dedicated to community programming and education).

- A viewing garden where the public can look into Seattle Opera's celebrated costume shop.

- Space for storing and prepping 50,000 props.

- Dedicated space for wig preparation and creation-a first in the company's history.

- Tagney Jones Hall, a glass box performance space for educational and community events that seats 200.

- A street-level, ADA-accessible box office

- Three multi-purpose studios, the largest of which is the same size as McCaw Hall's stage and enables casts to rehearse on the scenery which will appear onstage. The other two studios can be used for rehearsals, community programs, youth operas, events, and more.

- Reclaimed wood from the Mercer Arena roof (repurposed in Tagney Jones Hall).

- Original trees on the east side of the building that were planted for the Worlds' Fair, then retained and nurtured throughout construction.

- A rain garden which uses storm water runoff in an Earth-friendly way.

Seattle Opera's new civic home is being completed by Lease Crutcher Lewis, contractor, and NBBJ, architect.

About Seattle Opera

Established in 1963, Seattle Opera is committed to serving the people of the Pacific Northwest with performances of the highest caliber and through innovative educational and engagement programs for all. Each year, more than 95,000 people attend Seattle Opera performances, and more than 400,000 people of all ages are served through school performances, radio broadcasts, and more. By drawing our communities together, and by offering opera's unique fusion of music and drama, we create life-enhancing experiences that speak deeply to people's hearts and minds. Connect with Seattle Opera on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, and on Classical King FM. 98.1.

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