Opera Columbus was founded in 1981 as an independent offshoot of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, which had produced operas in Columbus for a number of years. It didn’t take long for the fledgling company to make its mark. Three years later, Opera Columbus staged the world premiere of American composer Thomas Pasatieri’s Three Sisters. Another world premiere, Leslie Burr’s Vanqui, followed in 1999.
Today the company offers a three-production season. In addition, the Irma M. Cooper Opera Columbus Vocal Competition continues to provide cash prizes and exposure for promising young singers.
Through its Opera Columbus Academy, the company maintains an ambitious schedule of educational opportunities for young people. Programs such as Opera Columbus on the Go!, Improv Opera and Opera Residency Program—a two-to-three-week offering in which students produce an opera—reach more than 200,000 students annually in the central Ohio region. The Academy also offers a two-week opera summer camp and free admission to dress rehearsals.
Opera Columbus Information
- Public Transportation: Excellent (steps from COTA buses 2, 5, 9, 11, 18, 19, 46, and 47 at East Main Street/South Pearl Street; and a short walk from buses 13, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 44, 45, 48, and 49 at the City Center Terminal and buses 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 21, 26, 36, 38, and 40 at South High Street/East Main Street)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Approximately 3 productions per season (2 or 3 performances of each)
- Ticket Prices: Vary widely ($10–$102) depending on production, date and seating choice
- Subscriptions: Season subscriptions rage from $65–$178. Subscribers receive a 20% discount on single ticket prices, as well as a benefit card allowing discounts at various local establishments.
