Dallas Opera Celebrates 10 Years of Hart Institute with Concert

The Dallas Opera will commemorate the 10th anniversary of its Hart Institute with a special Showcase Concert on January 25, 2024, at 15:00 local time. The event will take place at the Winspear Opera House and will feature distinguished alumnae from the program’s first decade.

Several prominent conductors, including Tiffany Chang, Michelle Di Russo, Tianyi Lu, and Shira Samuels-Shragg, will lead the Dallas Opera Orchestra and guest singers in performances of significant works from the company’s history. Selections will include pieces from operas such as “L’italiana in Algeri,” “Moby-Dick,” and “Turandot.”

In addition to the concert, the evening will showcase video retrospectives and personal memories shared by notable guests. The celebration will also comprise a virtual reunion for all Hart Institute alumnae later in the week, creating an opportunity for past participants to reconnect and share their experiences.

The current season features an impressive roster of faculty, including acclaimed arts administrators Deborah Borda, Serge Dorny, and Deborah Rutter. They will be joined by David Lomelí, the artistic consultant for the Dallas Opera, and this season’s inaugural Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Fellow, Jingqi Zhu, an alumna from the Hart Institute class of 2023.

In a statement, Ian Derrer, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of the Dallas Opera, expressed pride in the program’s achievements. He stated, “When the Hart Institute began 10 years ago, we knew it had the potential to create a significant impact. Now we see how this program has made a huge difference in the lives and careers of many talented conductors. We are so proud of our alumnae, and we look forward to this program continuing to make change in this field.”

As the Dallas Opera celebrates this milestone, the Hart Institute stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to nurturing talent in the opera industry and fostering future generations of conductors. The upcoming concert promises to be more than just a performance; it will be a celebration of a decade of dedication and excellence in the field.