The New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) has been named one of the six opera companies to receive a Next Stage Grant. These six companies will split a grant worth $200,000 from OPERA America. This grant aims to support the second or subsequent productions of existing North American works that require additional attention from producers, audiences, and critics.

NOOA will use the grant to present the Southern premiere of the opera Blue, composed by Jeanine Tesori, with a libretto by Tazewell Thompson. Blue tells the story of a community dealing with an act of violence and racial injustice, reflecting the current societal realities. The production is scheduled for November 10 and 12 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.

New Orleans Opera Association’s General and Artistic Director, Clare Burovac, emphasized the production’s commitment to serving as the voice of the voiceless. She stated, “The tragedy shared by this family is a microcosm of a nationwide epidemic and, through the art of opera, we hope to initiate conversations that can serve as a catalyst for change.” 

Alongside the New Orleans Opera Association, five other opera companies have been awarded Next Stage Grants: Chicago Opera Theater, Los Angeles Opera, Opera Parallèle, Opera Southwest, and Virginia Opera. Each company will use the funding to enhance their productions and contribute to the growth of American opera.

For more information about OPERA America’s grant programs, including the Next Stage Grants, please visit OPERA America’s website. The organization is vital in advancing opera in the United States, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy in today’s artistic landscape.