History:
Opera of Southamptonis a New York State non-profit corporation, incorporated in the Spring of 1992 as a regional opera company, to bring opera to the East End of Suffolk County, extending to both the North and South Forks.
The Corporation and its goals have been certified by the New York State Attorney General's Office and the New York State Education Department.
The goals of our company is to enhance the cultural life of diverse communities on the East End in both the quiet of the winter months and the frenzy of the summer season. Opera of the Hamptons has provided extraordinary performances, concerts, musicales and opera galas throughout the Hamptons and North Fork.
To date, there have been over three-hundred performances on the East End, from Water Mill to Peconic, Westhampton Beach to Southampton, and even back west at Hofstra University for their Italian-American and Dutch Colonial Festivals.
Opera of the Hamptons is recognized everywhere for its professionalism. There are standing ovations and bravos, whether it's under the stars, at the enchanting Pindar Vineyards Pavilion, or at the marvelous Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, on the magnificent grounds of the Siena Spirituality Center at Villa Maria, the wonderful Castello di Borghese Vineyard &Winery and the beautiful Field House at the Hampton Day School.
Through the years, performances were held at the prestigious John Drew Theater at Guild Hall of East Hampton, the landmark Vail Leavitt Music Hall, at both Duck Walk South and Duck Walk North Vineyards, and the Levitas Center for the Arts at the Southampton Cultural Center.
During 1994-1995, a two-year collaborative program "Introduction to Opera" was sponsored by a BOCES Arts and Education program, bringing together Opera of the Hamptons and the students of the Southhampton School District. The project benefited all students, providing knowledge of music, culture, and history, which evolved through workshops in a theater environment.
This program marked the beginning of a liaison with the Southhampton School District. Opera residcncy programs, and the participation of the students and professional artists, side by side, in productions of Verdi's "AIDA', Menotti's 'AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS", Humperdinck's "HANSEL AND GRETEL', fulfill the educational aspects of the company's charter.
A series of lectures entitled "WHAT IS OPERA?" were given in conjunction with The Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton and also, through the auspices of the Parent-Teachers Association, for the Westhampton Beach Schools. The "Franco Gentilesca Young Artist Program" has been incorporated into productions and each year outstanding artists and students are given awards and the opportunity to perform in a professional milieu.
Opera of the Hamptons looks forward to exciting educational ventures that introduce the noble art form of opera to our youth, as well as performances everywhere, which enliven, enrich and bring to the community the wonderful world of opera.
