Operatic Adventure in Colorful Colorado

Long associated with cozy snow, summer hikes, and stunning vistas and mountains, Colorado and its nearly six million residents lean into their love of the great outdoors, their bit of hippie nature, and an abundance of craft breweries. But in a state known for its laid-back but thriving cities and the slower, even more laid-back vibe of its rural areas, opera has found a way to keep Coloradans (and those who travel to see opera all over) fulfilled with several unique companies offering everything from large-scale grand opera to vocal training for aspiring artists.

Opera Colorado (Denver, Colorado)

In 1980, a group of Denver opera lovers gathered and brought to life the dream of creating a major opera company. By 1983, the company had premiered Verdi’s Otello and La bohème and since then, has continued to grow and evolve into a top-notch regional company. In 2005, the celebrated the opening of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with an all-star gala and by 2015, had hired their first-ever music director, Ari Pelto. Now, under the guidance of new general and artistic director, Barbara Lynne Jamison, Opera Colorado is poised to continue bringing grand opera to Denver audiences.

In addition to their mainstage efforts, Opera Colorado is dedicated to training the next set of operatic artists with its artist in residence program and continues to present touring productions for schools and community groups. Additionally, they offer a student dress rehearsal for Grades 6-12, college and continuing students, and adult chaperones. For their 2025-2026 season, they present two classic Italian operas, La traviata and Madama Butterfly.

Central City Opera (Central City, Colorado)

Central City Opera is the fifth oldest opera company in the United States, founded in 1932. Thirty-five miles west of Denver and 8,500 feet above sea level, this gem of a company has become one of the country’s premiere summer festivals. Performing in a 550-seat theatre built in 1878, Central City Opera presents operatic classics, musical theatre, and operetta while simultaneously training  talented young singers through its Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program.

In addition to its summer festival offerings, Central City Opera has expanded into presenting concerts, cabarets, and educational program during the fall months. Under the leadership of Scott Foley, the president and CEO, Central City continues its goal of artistic excellence while also focusing on financial stability, creating a transparent business model, and expanding reach into the community through continued engagement and education initiatives. Keeping these elements in mind, the company presents a varied 2026 Summer season of The Marriage of Figaro¸ Terrance McNally’s operatic drama,  Masterclass, and in celebration of Colorado turning 250 and the 70th anniversary of the world premiere, Central City will present Douglas Moore’s The Ballad of Bady Doe.

Opera Fort Collin (Fort Collins, Colorado)

Opera Fort Collins, located just shy of two hours north of Denver, has been producing opera since its founding in 1979 presenting full-scale operas and concerts. With a mission to “entertain, enrich, and educate through the professional presentation of opera and community engagement programs,”  Opera Fort Collins celebrates their  larger scale productions as well as their “Opera À La Carte” artist in residence which present programs to elementary students throughout the region.

Led by artistic director Steven Aguiló-Arbues and executive director, Mark Lubas, the company recently presented a gala tribute to its first artistic director, Elizabeth Elliot.

Opera Steamboat (Steamboat Springs, Colorado)

With a mission to “enrich the well-being of the community through innovative, educational, and collaborative musical arts programs,” Opera Steamboat presents a diverse offering of concerts, opera, and community events throughout the season. Formerly named Emerald Opera, the company was formed in 2002 with a goal of bringing world-class operatic artists to the Steamboat Springs area.

Renamed in 2017 and  now under the leadership of general director and CEO Julie Maykowski, this small, but mighty company will offer a season that includes soprano Cree Carrico in concert and the opera, All is Calm. Known for their community-based approach, Opera Steamboat offers a host of educational programs to accompany All is Calm, inspires young creatives with their Art Fusion Lab, Rising Stars Youth Opera and robust Opera in Schools programs. They also champion exceptional community collaborations including last season’s “Opera Meets Rave: The Ultimate Sonic Mash-Up.”

Opera Theatre of the Rockies (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Founded by International soprano Martile Rowland in 1988 after a career spanning a decade of performing at many of opera’s greatest companies, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, located in southern Colorado, balances a season of mainstage, youth training, and touring productions. 

A highlight of last season was its Vocal Arts Festival. The three-week festival, now in its 17th year, offers aspiring singers with the opportunity to train with world-class artists who provide voice lessons, musical and dramatic coaching, masterclasses, and career guidance. 

The company, continuing to reinvent itself, is updating its Opera Theatre in Schools programs that will return to schools in the fall of 2026.

Boulder Opera Company (Boulder, Colorado)

Boulder Opera Company is ecstatic to presents for its 14th season: the annual “Opera in the Park” concert, the sparkling L’Elisir d’amore, and the Viennese classic, Der Rosenkavalier.

In the community, the company presents a children’s opera that tours to schools and also champions young singers in their teens to participate in the chorus of mainstage operas. Led by executive artistic director Daniela Acosta and a team of staff and board members, Boulder Opera Company aims to make opera “accessible, inspiring, and engaging” for audiences. Of special note, the company makes strong effort to remove barriers so that opera can be enjoyed by the diverse population that makes up Boulder’s constituency.

Interested in the grand works of Verdi and Puccini presented at an opera house? Check. Want to attend a weekend of operas at a summer festival in a charming, intimate opera house? Can do. Love supporting young artists at the beginning of their careers? Not a problem. Looking to experience opera in a venue that welcomes all? They’ve got you covered. No matter what type of operatic experience you’re seeking, Colorado offers opera lovers six different experiences that echo the state’s beauty, energy, and diversity.