Facing the same challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas’ five major opera companies have formed a new partnership.
The Texas Opera Alliance, announced today, is a collaborative between Austin Opera, The Dallas Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Houston Grand Opera and Opera San Antonio. Its mission of the Texas Opera Alliance is to promote and diversify the operatic art form through production partnerships, audience-building initiatives, and collaborative investments in new works, ensuring that opera continues to thrive in the Lone Star State.
In its first year, the alliance will cross promote its members’ digital content and programming. And each organization will be creating new digital offerings for Texas audiences.
“I’m heartened and inspired by the unprecedented level of collaboration between our five companies in recent months. I believe these cost-effective strategies to expand our mutual offerings will serve as a new model for the growth and sustainability of our art form,” saidAnnie Burridge, General Director & CEO of Austin Opera and Vice-Chair of OPERA America. “Nearly every project we are currently working on at Austin Opera intersects with a member of the Texas Opera Alliance, from co-productions to the engagements of Texas-based artists.”
More information about the Texas Opera Alliance, its member companies, and their seasons and digital offerings can be found at texasoperaalliance.org.
In a separate announcement today, Austin Opera is collaborating with several companies around the country and ADA Artist Management to present the premiere of Steven Mark Kohn’s song cycle “The Trial of Susan B. Anthony” on Oct. 26.
Mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala plays multiple roles, including the judge, the prosecuting and defense attorneys, a witness, and Susan B. Anthony herself in this seven-movement piece outlining the activist’s quest for justice. She will be accompanied by pianist Myra Huang.
The 30-minute program will premiere on ADA’s YouTube channel on Oct. 26, and will continue to be available on that platform until Nov. 8 at 11:59 p.m. Audiences must register to attend the premiere. Access the performance at austinopera.org/
