EDUCATION PROGRAMS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Inthe2023-24Season,OSA visited 50 schools, 36 of which were classified as Title 1,throughour OPERA in Schoolsprogram Schoolsvisitedincludedcharter,homeschool,privateandpublicschools spreadacrossSanAntonio,CanyonLake,SpringBranch,Schertz,Somerset,andNewBraunfels.Dueto highdemandfortheprogram,forthefirsttimeinOSAhistorywehadtoimplementawaitlist.Tohelp offsetthisdemand,weestablishedatouroftheprogramwhichallowedustoservemultipleschools throughnewcollaborationswiththeBraunTexTheatre,CarverCulturalCommunityCenter,andthe TobinCenterforthePerformingArts OSAalsomadehistoryasthefirstresidentcompanycontractedby theTobintopresentaSensoryFriendlyversionoftheprogram A total of 59 free performances were offered covering all 10 city districts inside San Antonio impacting 13,102 K-12 students.
FinalDressPerformances FinalDressPerformances
2,000seatsofferedtoschools 1,578ticketsprovidedfreeto students,teachers,andveterans $20Rushticketsforstudents
Thursday&SaturdayPerformances Thursday&SaturdayPerformances
Our2023-24seasonsurpassedpastachievementsallowingustoconnectwithmorecitizensthanever before.AcrossperformancesofHanselandGretel,AmahlandtheNightVisitors,andThePiratesof Penzance,includingopenfinaldressrehearsals,we warmly welcomed 100 schools, offering free access to 5,303 students, teachers, and veterans throughourBehind the Scenesprogramwhichalsoincludes Q&Asessionswithcast,backstagetours,andaccesstoStudyGuides.Weachievedyetanothermilestone withourtravelingpop-upproductionofAmahlandtheNightVisitorswhichallowedustoincorporate threededicatedstudentmatineeperformancesofthiskidfriendlyoperaattheCarverCommunity CulturalCenter,EdgewoodTheatreofPerformingArts,andtheMagikTheatre.Thiscreatedmultiple fieldtripopportunitiesforelementaryschoolswhohavehistoricallybeenunabletoattendourevening performances Thankstothegenerosityofoursponsors,duringourtwomajorproductionsattheTobin Centerwewereabletooffera combined total of 1,578 free tickets at a value of over $60,000 to students, teachers, and veterans.OurpartnershipwiththeVetTix,TobinHeroes,andTobinTeachers programsallowedmanytoexperiencetheartformofoperafortheveryfirsttime.
OPERA in Schools
School Districts
Carson Elementary
Students
Tobin Center Sensory Friendly
Anne Frank Inspire Academy
2 0 2 3 / 2 4 S c h o o l s V i s i t e d
Teacher Testimonials
How did students experiencing opera for the first time react?
“Students were wowed and inspired. We have deaf hard of hearing students (DHH) on our campus. DHH lies on a spectrum, some students can hear a bit, some not at all. Some of our DHH students were so inspired that they were singing for the rest of the day!!”
VALERIE JEANNIN, MISSION ACADEMY
“They loved it! They wanted to show me their "Opera voices" today in music class.”
GINA GUTIERREZ, BEHLAU ELEMENTARY
How has our program made a positive impact on your students?
"I think that you have given them something special in so many ways. The experience the knowledge the visual so many things that can make their minds soar and imagine and you made something they had no idea existed I am sure into a reality and maybe sparked an interest.”
ELIZABETH HERRERA, NIMITZ/STEM MIDDLE SCHOOL
“For most of our students, this was their first exposure to live opera. They absolutely loved it! They are excited to learn more about the art form and many want to attend future productions.”
PATRICIA
BALMER, GREAT HEARTS NORTHERN OAKS
“It truly was the most rewarding experience to see the impact that opera has on a child. To see the range of emotions as they connect with the music and the emotions of the singer.
KIMBERLY
QUIJANO, YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
“The performers and presenter did an absolutely amazing job, they made it accessible to this age group and kept their interest the entire time. Thank you for speaking at their level and making it such a positive experience for us.”
KATHRYN CARRILLO, MORA ELEMENTARY
out of
5 out of 5
Explore Opera for Kids! Video Series
ThisvideoserieswithaccompanyingGoogleworksheetswascreatedin2020withOSA's firstclassofApprenticeArtists.Itisnowofferedasafreeclassroomresourcetoallschools enrolledintheOPERAinSchoolsprogram.
Since 2020:
11,835 Views
1,244 Worksheets
4,671 School Attendees
Behind the Scenes
Final Dress & Performances
100 Schools
5,303 Free Seats
1,578 Free Tickets
Bradley Middle School
Pictures with Cast
Veteran Testimonials
H a n s e l a n d G r e t e l
n s e l a
Children’s Chorus of San Antonio
Our production of Hansel and Gretel achieved a historic milestone as it brought together all five Resident Companies of the Tobin Center(OPERASanAntonio,ClassicalMusic Institute,BalletSanAntonio,Children’sChorusofSanAntonio,YouthOrchestrasofSan Antonio)toperformtogetherinoneproduction.Childreninattendanceattheoperaweregiven freeHanselandGretelbookstotakehomeasakeepsake.
Student & Teacher Testimonials Hansel and Gretel
“It was incredible!! The set, the lighting, the acting, the voices, the music was all so amazing. I had an amazing time and really got to see what the human voice is really capable of!”
JESSICA MCLERRAN, VOICE STUDENT
“At first I thought (opera) was something that's only for old people. I absolutely loved it and I want to go see more of them if possible.”
LAUREL HAGELGANS, CANYON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
“The tour backstage truly was a sight to see, I'm encouraged to attend more Operas and look into the technical side of working at an Opera House!”
EMILY WESTON, TEXAS LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT
“I would like to thank OSA and specially Madeline Elizondo for continuing their efforts in bringing the beautiful art of opera to our younger audiences. This is the third year in a row my studio has been given this chance and it’s something that we look forward to every year. A few kids that have continued their vocal education with me these past three years are showing intellectual, artistic and passionate curiosity for the art and we owe that partly to this opportunity. So thank you so much!”
JULIETA GARCÍA REYES, ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD JUNIOR AND HIGH SCHOOL
“(Students) had seen/heard about the outreach program coming to our school last year and wanted to see a full production. They loved the performance. They said it was a lot like watching a movie. They were shocked that they got to go for free, and wanted to dress up for the occasion at the next opera.”
KEELEY HOOKTEN, BASIS SAN ANTONIO- SHAVANO
A m a h l a n d t h e N i g h t V i s i t o r sD e c e m b e r 2 0 2 3
Edgewood Theatre of Performing Arts Magik Theatre
Carver Community cultural center
Thisseason,OSA’sthird,communityproductionwasafamilyfriendlypop-uptravelingproductionof AmahlandtheNightVisitorsbyGianCarloMenotti.Inadditiontoprovidingthreestudentmatinees, throughcollaborationswithnewcommunitypartners,this production traveled to four different venues culminating in a performance at the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church that was free and open to the entire community.
Alamo Heights United Methodist Church
Edgewood Theatre of Performing Arts
Carver Community cultural center
Magik Theatre
T h e P i r a t e s o f P e n z a n c eA p r i l 1 1 & 1 3 , 2 0 2 4
TheseasonconcludedwithThePiratesofPenzance,markingOSA'sfirst-everproductionofa Gilbert&Sullivanwork.Thisshowreceivedcriticalacclaimandachievedourstrongestticket salessincethepandemic,atestamenttotheenduringappealofclassicoperawhenpresented creatively Childreninattendanceweregivenfreepiratebandanastotakehomeasasouvenir
Student & Teacher Testimonials
The Pirates of Penzance
“i like felt my jaw broken from how many times i dropped it, the show was absolutely fantastical. it was so much fun i definitely recommend especially if it’s your first opera. this makes me want to go to more operas it’s so fun and amazing��”
LAUREN WILDBERGER, VETERANS MEMORIAL STUDENT
“the actors looked like they were having a lot of fun! especially the lady playing mabel. it made me just want to be on that stage with them!”
NAOMI STEELE, BRADLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT
“How fun and entertaining it was! The whole experience was accessible and relatable.”
EDLYN DEOLIVEIRA, PALO ALTO COLLEGE
“They (students) were so impressed by the vocal abilities of the performers (great clarity even from where we were up high in the balcony) and how clever the lyrics and choreography were.”
AMY LINDBERG, VALOR SOUTH AUSTIN
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Connection...Collaboration...Education
Throughoutthe2023-24season,OSA participated in a record breaking 39 free, community centric events impacting 6,103 people.SpecialeventswereofferedinlocationsacrossSanAntonioandbeyondwith highlightsincluding:A Singing SaluteVeteransDayConcertincollaborationwiththeBradleyMiddle SchoolJazzBandandShephardoftheHills;Explore Hansel and GretelinpartnershipwiththeSanAntonio PublicLibrary,ClassicalMusicInstitute,BalletSanAntonio,andtheChildren'sChorusofSanAntonio;live simulcastofHanselandGretelatthePearl;Pirates on the PlazainpartnershipwiththeMainPlazaand ClassicalMusicInstitute;livesimulcastofThePiratesofPenzanceatLegacyPark;Spanish-Language Opera WorkshopsinpartnershipwithUniversidadNacionalAutonomadeMexico-SanAntonio(UNAM);caroling inmultiplevenuesthroughHoliday Pop-ups;aHolidayConcertforHavenforHope;freesummerconcert seriesExplore Opera for Kids! LIVEinpartnershipwiththeSanAntonioPublicLibraryandOperaGuildof SanAntonio;aGolden Age Concert tourinpartnershipwithMusicalBridgesAroundtheWorld,theSouth Texas TourtoUvalde,Laredo,andCorpusChristi,andmore Eacheventbroughtnewopportuntiesto connect,collaborate,andextendthereachofourprograms
39 Events
6,103 Attendees
All 4 Precints
2 0 2 3 / 2 4 F r e e C o m m u n i t y E v e n t s
Onadaycommonlyreferredtoas“GivingTuesday”,OSAartistshittheroadtooffer Holiday Pop-Ups,aprogramofferingholidaythemedperformancesacrossthecity.Rather thansolicitdonationsonthisinternationaldayofgiving,wechoosetogivebacktoour communitybyspreadingholidaycheerthroughtraditionalcarolssprinkledwithopera classics InjustthefewshortweeksfollowingThanksgivingof2023,weofferedfree holiday performances in 12 venues across the citywhichincludedHavenforHope,BlueSkiesof Texas,ChristusSantaRosaHospital,St.Luke’sHospital,AlamoPlaza,MainPlaza,Tobin Plaza,and5H-E-Blocations.
12 Locations
H-E-B
Blue Skies
Alamo Lights
Haven for Hope
Tobin Center
Pirates on the Plaza at Main Plaza
A Singing Salute, Andrews Sisters, and Tech Port
OSA performance with Classical Music institute Movement to Music With OSA
Ballet San Antonio Children’s Chorus of San Antonio
Sea Shanty Sing-Along with OSA & CMI
Concert featuring OSA opera Chorus on the plaza
Bradley MS Jazz Band with OSA soloists
TEch Port Fiesta Featured Performance
OSA Andrews Sisters on Tour with Bradley Jazz
S AC M I Y o u n g A r t i s t P r o g r a m
"I cannot recommend this program enough for singers wanting to elevate their artistry and feel confident about going into their next audition season ”
KAT PIÑA,
STUDIO ARTIST
“This program is a nurturing environment aimed to cultivate artists.”
KIRSTEN
KIDD, STUDIO ARTIST
Inthesummerof2020,theOSAApprenticeArtistprogramwasestablishedinpartnershipwith theOperaGuildofSanAntoniotoprovidelocal,youngartistswiththeopportunitytowork withindustryprofessionalsandgainvaluableperformanceexperience.InJuneof2023,the programevolvedasOSApartneredwiththeClassicalMusicInstituteinaninauguralSummer VoiceProgram,anintensivetrainingprogramfocusedonclassicalsoloandchambervocalmusic. The programcontinuedtoexpandinJuneof2024throughtheOPERA San Antonio-Classical Music Institute Young Artist Programwhichofferedthreedifferenttiersforsingersandone foracollaborativevocalpianisttoprovidetrainingandmultipleperformanceopportunitiesfor voicestudents,fromacrossthecountry,inpursuitofacareerintheartsduringtheCMI210 SummerFestival.The2024programfeaturedperformancesofzarzuelaandSpanish-language repertoireledbyguestmusicdirectorPabloZinger.
TheTeaching Artist Voice Fellowshipbroughtearly-careervoiceteacherstoourcommunityto workwithyouthparticipantsandseniorfacultytohonetheirpedagogicalskillsinaone-of-akindprogram.TheApprentice ArtistProgramprovidedcoachingandperformance opportunitiesforearly-careersingersreadytotakethestage.Finally,thereimagined Studio Artist Programservedasasafespaceforemergingartiststoexploretheartformandbroaden theirnetworkofconnections.WiththeseprogramscombinedundertheOSA-CMIpartnership, invaluabletoolswereprovidedtoparticipantstohelpbridgethegapbetweentheyearsspent honingtheircrafttothemomenttheystepintothespotlightasprofessionalperformingartists
Allprogramparticipantstookpartinindividualcoachings,soloandensembleperformances, masterclasses,careerseminarsledbyOSAArtisticStaffandCMIFaculty,andacombinedtotal of20freecommunityperformances.Theseincluded5Explore Opera for Kids! LIVEconcerts, 4Golden Age ConcertsincollaborationwithMusicalBridgesAroundtheWorld,2artist showcasesattheMexicanCulturalInstitute,andafinalcombinedperformanceof¡CANTEMOS ZARZUELA!intheCarlosAlvarezStudioTheater.
20 Performances
Golden Age concert at franklin Park
Francesco milioto masterclass
¡CANTEMOS ZARZUELA! at the Alvarez
Resume Workshop with E. Loren Meeker, OSA General & Artistic Director
Acting workshop with Alison Vasquez
Vocal Fellows Showcase with Pablo Zinger at the Mexican Cultural Institute
studio artist Showcase with Pablo Zinger at the Mexican Cultural Institute
Margaret KingStanley
VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Providingaccesstooperaeducationisasharedmission betweenOPERASanAntonioandtheOperaGuildof SanAntonio.Inadditiontosupportfromvolunteers throughouttheseason,theGuildsponsorsOSA ApprenticeArtistseachsummerwithawardsthrough theMargaretKingStanleyVocalScholarshipFund Theseawardsarepresentedduringapublicmasterclass featuringtheselectedartistsastheyworkwitha featuredguestartisteachsummer.
InJuneof2024,theMargaret King Stanley Vocal h l h A
SAn Agustin Cathedral, laredo
OperaGuild ofSanAntonio
InJuneof2024,OPERASanAntoniocontinuedthe traditionofExplore Opera for Kids! LIVE,afree summerconcertseriesofferedinpartnershipwith theSanAntonioPublicLibrary.Theprogram featuredtheOSAApprenticeArtistswhoperformed
Final Dress for Edgewood 210 Festival
South Texas Tour
Uvalde, Laredo, Corpus Christi
OPERASanAntoniowasproudtoembarkonathirdannual SouthTexasTourJune24-June26,2024toofferfree communityconcertstoourneighborsintheSouth PerformanceswereofferedattheElProgresoMemorialLibrary inUvalde,BoysandGirlsClubandtheSanAgustinCathedralin Laredo,andtheCorpusChristiArtCenter.
OperaontheBorder,afeaturedconcertofthetour,was performedonJune25thforanenthusiasticaudienceof300 peopleattheSanAgustinCathedral.OnJune26th,OSA extendedtheSouthTexasTourtoincludeCorpusChristiwitha performanceattheArtCenterforanew,andveryappreciative audiencecomprisedoffamilies.
TheSouthTexasTourismadepossiblethroughthegenerous sponsorshipofH-E-BHelpingHere.
El Progreso Memorial Library in Uvalde
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF LAREDO
Corpus christi art center
San Agustin Cathedral in Laredo
As a recipient of a grant from the Bexar County Arts Internship Program, OPERA San Antonio was able to employ a summer intern to work directly with the Director of Education to assist in a range of programs and activities including: development of seasonal education resources, assistance in facilitating the Summer Young Artist Program, and help with marketing needs. Over the course of the summer, intern Alexander Charney received mentorship on how to work in all major areas of our organization including operations, development, fundraising, marketing, advertising, and outreach initiatives.
“IamincrediblygratefulfortheopportunitytoworkwithOPERASanAntonio.Duringmytime here,Ihavegainedinvaluableexperienceandlearnedseveralkeylessons.Ihavehonedmyskillsin creatingbrandconsistency,ensuringthateveryaspectofourbrandcommunicatesacohesiveand compellingmessage Ihavealsolearnedtheimportanceofcollaboration,workingeffectively acrossvariousjobspherestoachieveourcommongoals Additionally,Ihavedevelopedtheability toworkefficientlyundertightdeadlines,managingmytimeandresourcestodeliverhigh-quality workonschedule.
Lookingahead,IamexcitedaboutmyupcominggraduationfromTexasA&MUniversityinMay 2025.Followingthat,IhaveplanstotravelthroughJapan,anadventureIhavelongdreamedof.I amalsocommittedtocontinuingmyeducationinbranddevelopment,seekingoutnew opportunitiestoexpandmyknowledgeandexpertiseinthisfield.Mygoalistofindajobthatnot onlychallengesmebutalsosupportsmyprofessionalgrowth,allowingmetocontribute meaningfullywhileevolvingasabrandingexpert
Thankyouonceagaintoeveryo supportandmentorshiphavebe toapplywhatIhavelearnedasI
AlexanderCharney TexasA&MUniversity
Intern Presentation at the Bexar County Courthouse
Alex charney with Madeline elizondo
Programs for Adults
OPERASanAntoniostrivestoprovideeducational opportunitesforadultsthroughaccesstopre-show lectures,backstagetours,publicmasterclasses, specialevents,andonlineresources.Highlightsfrom the2023/24Seasonincludedapublicmasterclass withtenorLawrenceBrownleeincollaborationwith theTuesdayMusicClub,andaspecialeditionof Cocktails&ConversationcenteredaroundThe PiratesofPenzancesponsoredbytheSanAntonio AreaFoundation.
Duringthe2021/22Season,a partnershipbetweenOPERA SanAntonio,theUniversidad NacionalAutonomadeMexico-SanAntonio (UNAM)andtheTobinCenterwasformedtooffer Spanish-languageoperaappreciationworkshops, taughtbyrenownedoperacriticGerardoKleinburg. Eachworkshopculminatesintheattendanceofan OSAproductionattheTobinCenter.Duringthe 2023/24Season,Spanish-languageoperaworkshops wereofferedintandemwithOSAproductionsof HanselandGretelandThePiratesofPenzance servingatotalof72UNAMattendees.
Spanish-Language Opera Workshops
Lawrence Brownlee Masterclass
Cocktails & Conversation
Backstage tour for gala guests
Pre-show lecture with Dr. Kevin Salfen
OSA is grateful for the support of these major sponsors for the 2023/2024 Season.
Mrs. Jane Cheever Powell
