Check out the Boulder Opera Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianela Acosta, Fouder and General Director of the Boulder OPera.

Hi Dianela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story at the Boulder Opera Company is one of passion, innovation, and community engagement. Founded in 2012, our goal was clear from the start: to introduce the residents of Boulder, regardless of their age, to the enriching world of opera. We aimed to blend music, dance, and art in a manner that breathed new life into this timeless art form. At the heart of our endeavor is a dedication to young audiences. We believe in the power of opera to inspire and educate, which led us to develop our family series.

This series is designed to present both modern and classic operas in intimate settings, making the experience more accessible and enjoyable for families with young children. A highlight of our upcoming season is an abridged version of Jonathan Dove’s “Pinocchio,” set to take place at the Nomad Playhouse in Boulder this December 2024.

Our mission extends beyond just performances. We aim to make opera a part of the community’s fabric through a variety of programs. This includes our Opera in the Park, Gala Concerts, and a full production each spring. Education plays a crucial role in our mission, with over 3,000 students annually participating in field trips, workshops, and performances that introduce them to the magic of opera.

Innovation has also been key to our success. Since 2018, we have been pioneering Dinner Operas—complete opera performances accompanied by piano in a restaurant setting. This year, we brought Puccini’s “Suor Angelica” to the Dickens Opera House in Longmont, offering a unique blend of culinary and musical experiences.

Recognizing the importance of nurturing talent, we introduced a Resident Artist Program three years ago. This initiative supports diverse singers through professional performance opportunities, private coaching, and masterclasses, underscoring our commitment to the growth and development of artists.

In summary, our journey has been one of continuous growth and community engagement. By making opera accessible and engaging, we’ve not only enriched Boulder’s cultural landscape but also ensured the art form’s vitality and relevance for future generations.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While the Boulder Opera Company has seen numerous successes, including securing operating grants from notable organizations like the SCFD and the Boulder Arts Commission, and even receiving a National Endowment of the Arts for our Resident Artist program, our path has not been without its obstacles. One of the primary challenges we’ve faced has been the high turnover in administrative roles within the company.

The post-pandemic era brought its own set of challenges, similar to those experienced by many non-profit arts organizations. We observed a decline in program attendance, which in turn affected ticket sales. However, we’ve been heartened to see a reversal in this trend, with attendance and ticket sales now surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This resurgence is a testament to the enduring appeal of opera and the loyalty of our community.

Another significant hurdle has been the logistical challenges associated with not having a dedicated venue. Performing in various locations throughout Boulder County and touring shows in schools, while enriching, poses logistical challenges, from the storage of props and costumes to organizing staff and board meetings. Competing with other organizations for performance dates adds an additional layer of stress and complicates daily operations.

Despite these challenges, we harbor the dream of one day establishing our own Boulder Opera House. This would not only solve many of our logistical issues but also serve as a testament to the growth and stability of the Boulder Opera Company. It’s a goal we are passionately working towards, with the belief that it will further enrich our offerings to the community and solidify our place in the cultural landscape of Boulder County.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My journey into the world of opera began with classical training, culminating in a Master’s in Voice Performance from Denver University. Afterward, I moved back to New York, where I had the fortune of working with several local opera companies like the Amato Opera and Dicapo Opera in the Upper East Side. It was during this time, particularly through my involvement in resident artist programs focused on outreach and community engagement, that I discovered my passion for bringing opera to wider audiences.

In 2011, my path took a pivotal turn when I moved to Boulder. With a young family at home and a desire to continue my artistic pursuits locally, I saw an opportunity to share my love for opera with the community in a unique way. Collaborating with local musicians, we produced Rossini’s “Cenerentola” specifically tailored for young families. The overwhelmingly positive response, evidenced by selling out four of the five shows, was the catalyst for founding the Boulder Opera Company.

Leading this company for over a decade, I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on both artists and audiences. Providing performers with career-advancing opportunities each season has been incredibly rewarding. However, it’s our commitment to youth programming that truly sets us apart. We strive to ensure that our family series productions are of the same high quality as our mainstage productions, operating under the belief that children, just as much as adults, recognize and appreciate a stellar performance.

This approach not only democratizes the experience of opera but also nurtures a new generation of opera lovers. Our success in this endeavor is what I’m most proud of, and it underscores what makes the Boulder Opera Company unique in the landscape of performing arts.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, to me and to the Boulder Opera Company, is defined not by accolades or financial achievements but by our ability to deeply resonate with our audience on a personal and emotional level. Our recent endeavors, such as the touring of “Xochitl and the Flowers,” by Chris Paraetorious, a bilingual show coupled with a flower workshop, offer a glimpse into what we consider our true achievements.

The impact of our work became especially clear following a free performance at the Boulder Public Library. A family approached our Education Director, Alice Del Simone, with their young daughter, Sophia Flores. Sophia, whose father is from El Salvador, felt a deep connection to the story of “Xochitl,” which mirrors her own family’s experiences. The fact that she saw her own story reflected on the stage and felt represented in an art form as grand as opera speaks volumes about the success of our mission.

The emotional response from Sophia, her grandmother, and her aunt, who were deeply moved by the performance, underscored the unexpected yet profound connection they felt to the opera. This connection extended beyond a single performance; it spurred Sophia’s aunt, Tania, to facilitate connections with many bilingual classrooms across the Front Range, further amplifying the impact of “Xochitl.” We will be touring these shows to the Front Range in the upcoming season of 2024-2025.

Thus, we measure success by these moments of deep connection and the ripples they create within our community. When our performances can reflect the diverse stories of our audience, making them feel seen and heard, and when they inspire individuals like Tania to spread the word and bring more people into the fold of opera, we know we’ve succeeded. It’s about creating a space where every member of our audience, regardless of their background, can find a piece of themselves in our stories and feel a part of the larger narrative we’re all weaving together.

Pricing:

• $10-$45
• free events

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boulderoperacompany.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boulderoperaco/?next=%2F&hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boulderopera

Image Credits
Alexi Molden, Winona Martin, Jennifer Burks, Nathan Snyder, Steven Groth, Manon by Massenet-2023, Alice Del Simone, Alexis Haro and Natacha Condor