Behind the Curtain: A Season of Hope

By: Greg Carpenter

After 16 months of navigating COVID-19 mandates and public health orders, it is exhilarating to get back into our regular routines and prepare for a new season of grand opera at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.  The staff is back working in the office, and we’re ramping up our Patron Services team in preparation for launching our single ticket sales later in August. Our Board of Directors meetings have returned to in-person, I’m on the phone with agents, designers, and directors, and we are starting to see patrons and donors around town. It’s almost normal, and it feels wonderful!

While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Opera Colorado significantly, we have managed to plot a course that ensured we are financially solid and artistically ready for the exciting season ahead.  However, I must acknowledge the people most impacted by the pandemic are our artists, chorus, orchestra, production personnel, and stagehands. These individuals have gone for months and months without work. We are beyond excited to welcome them back and share their artistry with you.

The Start of Something New

It has been such a joy to once again communicate with the talented individuals who make up our artistic family, making plans for their arrival here in Denver, and preparing for the start of rehearsals for Tosca in early October. I look forward to having our office bustling with activity, the sounds of great music resonating throughout our rehearsal hall. Soon we will see our patrons and donors at the events, renewing those relationships we hold most dear. Most of all, I live in anticipation of setting foot on the stage of the Ellie. These moments will be highly emotional for all of us.

I look forward to having our office bustling with activity, the sounds of great music resonating throughout our rehearsal hall… Most of all, I live in anticipation of setting foot on the stage of the Ellie.

Looking forward, November 6 will be a season-opening night like no other. As those first notes of Puccini’s emotionally-dramatic score resonate from the orchestra pit, and the curtain goes up on a spectacular set, we can sit back and enjoy the art form we so passionately love and feel like life is returning to normal. It will truly be a moment of celebration and a season worth waiting for!

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What are you most looking forward to as we return to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House? Which production this season are you most excited about?