Dear opera lovers,

My name is Dianela Acosta, and I am the Founder and Director of the Boulder Opera Company—a performing arts organization that has been programming in Boulder and its neighboring communities since 2012.

For those of you who know us, wonderful! For those of you who don’t, here is a little background on what we do. Since our inception, we have proudly produced 10 Family Series Operas with more than 70 shows for families and children, reached 3000 students every season with our educational outreach programs, produced full operas at venues like the Dairy Arts Center, Etown, and Nomad Playhouse, and brought free outdoor events and dinner operas to the Boulder Bandshell, Porchfest at Mapleton, and Caffe Sole. In total, we have produced 130 shows in Boulder County and presented 25 performances and workshops to local schools. We estimate that we reached 3,000 people this past season. We serve the underserved, the opera lovers, the schools, and we support local musicians dependent on the gigging industries like ours.

When the pandemic hit back in March 2020, we felt a duty to stay in operation to offer artistic programming alternatives to the community. As a result of these efforts, we were thankfully able to continue paying a few of our musicians and administrators. Since then, we have focused on providing free or low-cost online content to our patrons and supporters. In addition to virtual programming, Boulder Opera was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Boulder Arts Commission that allowed us to present a free concert at the Boulder Bandshell (the outdoor theatre on Canyon and Broadway). The attendance for this in-person performance was scaled back in accordance with City safety guidelines, and was also coupled with a free Facebook live stream that attracted over 1,000 viewers!

Here is what our patrons have to say after attending Ópera in the Park:

“Bravi Tutti at Boulder Opera!! Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. Even the weather was pretty cooperative. The comments from the people around me in the second half were so positive. People were so grateful for something so special and so rewarding after this anomalous summer of mostly sameness every day. Screen and technology are helpful but there is still nothing like the real thing and a group of people together enjoying it. People went home feeling really good. I know that this is the result of an awful lot of work, but you really touched people who were there in a way that is very special right now. Thank you!" -Jackie

Music in our community is now more than ever a necessity, and we ask you to consider making a year-end donation to Boulder Opera to help us through this pandemic.

In these times of uncertainty, polarization, and fear, opera brings people together. Your support of Boulder Opera ensures that we continue bringing programs to the community and we can continue to engage our musicians and creatives.

There are so many ways you can help Boulder Opera:

  • schedule your year end gift through Colorado Gives starting today November 1st.

  • purchase your tickets to see La Boheme live or virtually.

  • hire one of our singers to sing at your special celebration through our singing Telegrams.

  • become a volunteer or board member! Send me an email at dianela@boulderoperacompany.com and we can discuss how to best use your time and skills.

See you at the Opera! (live or virtually!)

Dianela Acosta

Executive Artistic Director