About Opera Ithaca

History

Opera Ithaca is a regional opera company based in New York’s Finger Lakes region, known for presenting a diverse repertoire that spans beloved classics and contemporary works.

Founded in 2014 by Ithaca College alumni Lynn Craver and Zach James, the company launched with a production of Bluebeard’s Castle. Shortly afterward, a board of directors was formed, and Opera Ithaca was established as a nonprofit organization.

Since its founding, Opera Ithaca has built a reputation for presenting a diverse repertoire, bringing both beloved classics and contemporary works to local audiences. Past productions include Rusalka, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, La Bohème, Thumbprint, The Turn of the Screw, Scalia/Ginsburg, and Lucidity. The company has also maintained a strong commitment to presenting works by women composers.

Opera Ithaca takes pride in the musical quality of its productions, bringing together talented singers, orchestral musicians, and technical professionals. Artists who have performed with Opera Ithaca have also appeared with prestigious opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera.

Rather than performing in one permanent venue, Opera Ithaca brings productions to a variety of spaces throughout Ithaca. Past venues include the Hangar Theatre, Kitchen Theatre, Community School of Music and Arts, Alternative School, Circus Culture, and Artist's Alley. These smaller settings create an up-close experience, allowing audiences to connect with the performers and feel the energy of live opera in a particularly personal way.

More than a decade after its founding, Opera Ithaca continues to bring compelling performances and a wide range of operatic voices to the Finger Lakes community.