Anchorage Opera :: About Us

Anchorage Opera (AO) is one of America’s leading regional opera companies. As the center of opera in Alaska, AO provides the finest operatic experiences to residents and visitors, while also serving as a professional resource for American artists, administrators and technical staff, helping them to refine their talent and perfect their craft.

Enriching Alaskan Life
AO ranks among Alaska’s leading arts businesses, contributing significantly to the economy and quality of life in the state. Each season, AO produces operas and musical events in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts for audiences of over 12,500. AO’s educational outreach programming for culturally and economically diverse audiences reaches as many as 20,000 youth and adults annually in the Greater Anchorage Area, and in communities across the state including Fairbanks, Valdez, Dillingham, Kodiak and other outlying areas.

Grand Opera "Made in Alaska"
AO is a major seasonal employer in Alaska’s creative community, providing full- and part-time employment to hundreds of people each year. The company offers important training and work for the best local singers, musicians, artists and craftspeople. AO operates professional scenery and costume shops, and maintains an extensive inventory of lighting equipment, furniture, costumes and properties. All productions are rehearsed and mounted in Anchorage. Sets are built and costumes are made at our Opera Center. AO shows are truly “Made in Alaska.”

Legacy of Volunteerism
Founded in 1962 as an all-volunteer organization, today AO continues to reap enormous benefits by having of one of Alaska’s strongest and most dedicated arts volunteer support bases, with nearly 90 active participants. These generous volunteers assist with administrative duties, special events, fundraising, housing and production.

Artistic Integrity and Diversity
AO is committed to presenting high quality local and national talent that celebrates the diverse range of artistic and musical offerings within the world of opera. It is also committed to showcasing the accomplishments and creativity of Alaska native composers and performers.

Opera Appreciation and Education
AO is dedicated to producing the finest musical events that advance the public's understanding and appreciation of opera through a variety of presentations. These include family friendly concerts, student dress rehearsals, pre-show lectures, community opera talks, and numerous educational awareness initiatives.

Community Collaboration
AO has been commended for its collaborative work with other arts and cultural organizations in Alaska including the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. AO also regularly partners with artists from Alaska Dance Theatre, Anchorage Concert Chorus, the Alaska Children’s Choir, and the Anchorage Festival of Music.

Economic Impact
AO is a non-profit organization and relies heavily on donations from public and private sources, and the goodwill of volunteers. The Board and staff of AO understand that it competes for these resources alongside many other worthy concerns. We are committed to making these investments of both time and money return tangible cultural and economic benefits directly to the Greater Anchorage Area and the people of Alaska.