About

Opera Kelowna Society

Founded in 2013 by Alexandra Babbel and a group of local arts leaders, Opera Kelowna is a registered, non-profit, charitable status society and member of the Association for Opera in Canada. In 2020, company leadership changed and the company is now led by Rosemary Thomson, Artistic Director, and Brianna Wells, Managing Director, with support from an active and supportive Board of Directors.  Opera Kelowna is a proud member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

Our Mission:

Crafting unique and inviting opera for the Okanagan.

Our Vision:

Be an innovative opera company that celebrates artistic imagination and connects with our community.

Our Values

  • Accessibility:  we create opportunities for everyone to engage in opera.
  • Collaboration:  we are committed to strengthening our community and our art form through reciprocal relationships.
  • Growth: we build appreciation for opera; capacity of our artists; and knowledge of our board and staff.
  • Imagination: we are curious and courageous in approaching opportunities, art and challenges.
  • Inclusivity: we build practices that continually address biases and barriers that may negatively impact those who work with and for us.
  • Integrity:  we do what we say; we are accountable to our partners, artists, supporters, and audiences.
  • Sustainability:  we are focused on building our organizational capacity and resilience for the long term.

Our Programming

2 productions annually include a mainstage production in the late summer and a studio production in the winter months.

Community events offer something for everyone: they include concerts throughout the Okanagan Valley including our annual Opera Under the Stars in August; Sidewalk Serenades for seniors in communal housing or care, and signature events with our extraordinary community partners.

The society offers high-level education and outreach. Opera Kelowna’s Valley Opera Summer Intensive transitions vocal artists and collaborative pianists from their academic to professional careers. Internships in directing, conducting, costume design and arts administration are offered each season. We participate in the national Women in Musical Leadership program by hosting emerging women conductors each summer. We are currently building a new school program.

In 2022, Opera Kelowna has also committed to a new accessibility initiative by offering a portion of tickets to our performances at “pay what you will” pricing.

Want to be a part of the opera? Take a look at our opportunities!

Who Are We?

Our Board oversees our governance and strategic planning, and our team manages all aspects of programming delivery. With the help of community volunteers opportunities, and casts of guest artists from across North America, Opera Kelowna is building an exciting future for the art form in the Valley.

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