If opera companies had theme movies, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh’s would undoubtedly be the 1967 Julie Andrews film Thoroughly Modern Millie. Mildred Miller “Millie” Posvar founded the company in 1978—with particular emphasis on emerging singers—following her own distinguished career at the Met. She served as artistic director and vocal coach for more than two decades. Every year Opera Theater honors a distinguished contributor with the Millie Award.
The “thoroughly modern” has been especially apparent since the 1999 appointment of Jonathan Eaton as Posvar’s successor. It would be difficult to find a company more committed to producing contemporary works — which include world and regional premieres — and offering engaging new interpretations of the standard repertoire. Eaton is especially interested in staging contemporary American works, such as Philip Glass’s Sound of a Voice, William Bolcom’s A View from the Bridge and Lee Hoiby’s Summer and Smoke. The company has even taken on the challenge of presenting Wagner’s Ring Cycle in the heavily abridged version by Jonathan Dove.
Opera Theater seeks to introduce youngsters to the world of opera through a variety of Outreach programs. It also provides full-length and one-act chamber operas for touring.
Opera Theater of Pittsburgh Information
- Public Transportation: Depends on venue
- Handicapped Accessibility: Most venues are accessible
- Performances/Programs: Four–five per season with multiple performances of each
- Ticket Prices: Each show is priced individually. Tickets range from $25–$60
- Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available
- Donations: Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
