THE HISTORY OF GREENSBORO OPERA COMPANY
The curtain went up on the first Greensboro Opera Company production on October 16, 1981, with Verdi's La Traviata, starring the then unknown June Anderson. The foundation of this venture was laid the previous year by a group of civic leaders and music lovers. They adopted a dual mission: the presentation of operatic productions of the highest possible professional standards, and the education of the community about opera. The opera company has grown steadily and carefully in the ensuing 25 years.
The backbone of the Company has been, and continues to be, fully staged productions of major operas each year. While sets and costumes are rented from across the country, the particular cast, direction, and combination of sets and costumes are unique to Greensboro Opera Company's productions.
The audience has enjoyed many varied productions over the past 25 years. The first nine productions had only one performance on a Friday evening. However, beginning in 1990, audience support enabled the offering of both evening and matinee performances. Most recently the continued growth of a love for opera in the Triad has allowed the addition of a second production in the spring and a third smaller opera to be produced for the sole purpose of regional development.
The educational arm of the dual mission of Greensboro Opera Company has received equal attention and success. For the past 17 years, an opera has been presented to all fifth graders in public schools in Guilford County. Approximately 6,000 students attend one of six performances of an opera in the beautiful Carolina Theatre. This program is in collaboration with the Guilford County Schools, who provide transportation and logistics. The GOC also sponsors educational programs for adults, such as operalogues before performances and programs for clubs, community colleges, and retirement homes. For further information on the history of GOC, please contact the office at 336-273-9472.