The year was 1945 when a group of local artisans gathered under the guidance of Chick Laird to present classic opera with the finest voices in Wilmington at affordable prices. Today, our patrons are geographically and culturally as diverse as ever, stretching across the East Coast while at the same time reaching deeply into our Wilmington roots. Located in the heart of Wilmington, we serve the entire metropolitan area. We are the only professional opera company in the state and the 14th oldest in the country. We are a source of economic revitalization and a source of arts education for many schools in the area that have none. We employ nearly 250 full-and part-time local artists and staff members throughout the season and operate on an $850K annual budget. Artists we have nurtured have performed in major houses throughout the world. We have been the recipient of major grants from national and local organizations and have received numerous awards and recognitions including the National Endowment for the Arts, Opera America, Governor’s Award for the Arts, and National Opera Associations’ Service to Children’s Opera award. We are a company that still retains the founders’ original philosophy of “Opera for Everyone.”

Studio Series

The opening line of the famous "Barcarolle" from Tales of Hoffmann, "beautiful night, o night of love," will set the stage for our September Studio Series concerts. Relax with a glass of wine at our lovely studio on the Cristina River and enjoy an evening of great music in an intimate setting. Joining Music Director Jeffrey Miller will be soprano Michelle Johnson, a 2011 Met Opera National Council winner, mezzo-soprano Charlotte Paulsen, our outstanding Carmen from 2000, tenor Alok Kumar who wowed audiences last season as Alfredo in LaTraviata and, making his debut with OperaDelaware, Peruvian baritone Jose Sacin. Sunday is almost sold out but good seats remain for Friday and Saturday evening. Tickets are $30 for General Admission and $50 for Table Seating. Call 1-800-374-7263 for tickets.