In a recent feature published by OPERA America, OperaDelaware’s Company Artist program was highlighted for providing full-time employment to singers — a rarity in an industry.
The company’s full-time artist model is highlighted as a forward-looking approach to sustaining opera as the National Opera Conference comes to Delaware May 10th.
WILMINGTON, Del. — OperaDelaware is drawing national attention for a bold approach to supporting performers, with its artist development model earning recognition from OPERA America as an example of innovation in a changing industry.
In a recent feature published by OPERA America, OperaDelaware’s Company Artist program was highlighted for providing full-time employment to singers — a rarity in an industry where most performers work contract to contract without long-term stability.
The recognition places Delaware’s flagship opera company among a small group of organizations nationwide experimenting with new ways to sustain both artists and the art form itself.
A Different Model for a Changing Industry
Opera has traditionally relied on a gig-based structure, with singers traveling from production to production. OperaDelaware’s model challenges that norm by offering selected artists year-round employment, allowing them to live, work and engage with the community in Delaware…