Behind the Curtain: A Year of Resilience & Gratitude

By: Greg Carpenter

It is that time of year where the pace of work slows down for a couple of weeks and we can take time to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. It is also the time when we reflect upon the year that has passed and make plans for the year to come.

When I think about 2021, two words come to mind: Resilience and Gratitude.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

We tackled the challenges that COVID-19 presented with courage, creativity, and composure. As a result, we surprised and delighted our audiences with original digital programs during the winter and early spring. We collaborated with great cultural institutions like Denver Botanic Gardens, ArtistiCO, Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra, Davis Contemporary Dance, and Rocky Mountain Public Media. And, we provided interactive learning tools through our innovative digital education programs.

Enjoy some of our favorite moments from the first half of 2021!

A Return to The Opera House

As we worked our way through the summer months, we prepared for our return to live, in-person grand opera at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Resulting in a triumphant and emotional homecoming with our stunning production of Puccini’s Tosca directed by the incredible Louisa Muller.

Along the way, we were confronted by a plethora of challenges that required a great deal of research and analysis and a lot of tough decision-making. That’s where the Gratitude comes in. Without the talents of our staff, artists, production personnel, chorus, orchestra, and Board of Directors, we could not have navigated 2021 with the show of resilience and success we achieved.

Gratitude extends to our patrons, without whose contributions, ticket purchases, and enthusiastic encouragement we would not have been able to maintain operations, deliver programming, and make plans for the future.

Looking Ahead to 2022 and Beyond

As 2021 comes to an end, we look to the year ahead with the much-anticipated production of Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s The Shining, based on the novel by Stephen King and Bizet’s ever-popular Carmen, along with a host of other exciting activities including the return of our annual Gala on May 20. And, with great excitement, we continue planning our 2022-23 40th Anniversary Season, which will be the biggest and grandest in the company’s history.

There is so much to be thankful for and to look forward to as we enjoy these last few days of 2021. Here’s wishing everyone an enjoyable holiday and a New Year filled with good health, happiness, and great art!

—

What are you most looking forward to in the new year? Did you have a favorite moment with Opera Colorado looking back on 2021?