Who We Are
Opera Philadelphia is committed to embracing innovation and developing opera for the 21st century. Our mission:
- Delivering outstanding productions of traditional and new repertoire that engage our public and propel our genre forward
- Identifying extraordinary artists, both established and emerging, and provide opportunities for them to create their most imaginative and inspired work
- Presenting innovative programming relevant to the multi-cultural Philadelphia region that broadens and diversifies the opera audience
Commitment to Racial Equity
Opera Philadelphia acknowledges that our varying experiences with and participation in systems of power and privilege make conversations about race, racism, and oppression complex. We commit to continuing the work to create an inclusive company culture that aims to be free of discrimination, bigotry, and hate speech. We will work as a community to develop new inclusive anti-oppressive policies that aim to provide solutions to dismantling oppressive and discriminating systems within opera and the world. Opera Philadelphia is prepared to fulfill this responsibility and to counter the voices advocating racist views and moral inadequacies based on race. In addition, we commit to a process to examining our mission to ensure that it promotes inclusive and equitable operations at every level of the organization.
Opera Philadelphia is a Professional Company Member of OPERA America. Support provided by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.
“They’re increasingly taking chances, offering unusual and new work along with repertory staples, and carving out a place for themselves as proponents of American opera.” Anne Midgette, The Washington Post
“A dynamic place to experience opera in the 21st century.” Opera Now
“Opera Philadelphia deserves praise.” Alex Ross, The New Yorker
“Things are looking up, operatically speaking, in the City of Brotherly Love.” Opera News
“One of the nation’s most innovative companies.” U-T San Diego
“Philadelphia has some of the richest operatic DNA in America.” Fred Plotkin, WQXR Operavore
“Opera Philadelphia has become the most skillful calibrator of populist appetites and the need of the art form to progress.” Peter Dobrin, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Opera People Meet Our Team
Whether it’s on stage, backstage, in the pit, or behind the scenes... Meet the people who are creating great opera in Philadelphia.
“I feel so fortunate to work with such an incredibly talented, supportive, and brilliant group of colleagues. It is incredibly gratifying and meaningful to know that the work that we do every day directly contributes to the company’s artistic success.” Rachel McCausland, Vice President of Development
“The desire to create a space where teens, especially marginalized voices, can feel empowered is what drives me in my office work.” Veronica Chapman-Smith, Vice President of Community Initiatives
“I love the people I am lucky enough to work with as well as the guests who attend the opera. I get to meet so many interesting people.” Michael Knight, Director of Guest Services
“One day doesn’t quite look like the next, but each day is filled with creativity and imagination.” Sarah Williams, Director of New Works & Creative Producer
Join Us Employment Opportunities
Discover how you can become part of Opera in Philadelphia - from singing in our productions to being one of the many volunteers who make our city's opera great.