Tulsa Opera, Tulsa

Tulsa Opera, based in Tulsa, stands as one of the nation’s longest-running opera companies and a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene. Founded in 1948 as the amateur Tulsa Opera Club, it evolved into a professional company in 1953-becoming the first professional performing arts organization in Oklahoma and the twelfth-oldest opera company in North America.

Initially performing at the historic Tulsa Theater, affectionately dubbed the "Old Lady on Brady," the company moved to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in 1977, where it now stages three major productions annually. Over the decades, Tulsa Opera has earned a national reputation, hosting legends like Luciano Pavarotti, Leontyne Price, Beverly Sills, Samuel Ramey, and Renata Scotto, while also welcoming leading contemporary talents.

Under the leadership of General Director and CEO Lori Decter Wright and Artistic Director Aaron Beck, the company continues to push creative boundaries. Its repertoire blends beloved classics with bold, modern works, keeping opera vibrant and relevant.

Beyond the stage, Tulsa Opera is deeply rooted in community engagement. Programs such as Tulsa Youth Opera, the Raise Your Voice Tour, and the Filstrup Resident Artist Program foster emerging talent and bring music to neighborhoods across the city. Innovative wellness initiatives like Aria Yoga and Songs by Heart offer healing through music, particularly to those affected by dementia.

Each year, Tulsa Opera’s education and outreach efforts reach more than 50,000 Tulsans, ensuring that opera remains an accessible and enriching part of civic life. Through performance, education, and innovation, Tulsa Opera continues to help shape Tulsa’s identity as a world-class cultural destination.