Draft:History of Opera in the United States

• Comment: Let's just merge this with Opera in the United States, which is underdeveloped. Cerebellum (talk) 11:27, 9 December 2023 (UTC)

---

La Fenice Opera House

Opera has a long history in the United States. The first opera performed in the American colonies was Flora in 1735, which was performed in Charleston, South Carolina. Opera in the United States has evolved over time, from its colonial beginnings to the thriving contemporary scene of today.

Early influences

During the 18th century, opera made its debut in the United States, heavily influenced by European customs. The upper class, who were well-versed in European cultural practices, played a pivotal role in introducing and nurturing a love for opera. In 1735, the first documented opera performance in North America took place in Charleston, South Carolina. Titled Flora, or Hob in the Well, this opera marked a significant moment in the cultural history of the colonies, as it showcased early attempts to replicate European artistic forms in the New World.

Later in the century, The Beggar's Opera was performed in New York City in 1750. This continued the trend of the popularity of ballad operas.

The 18th century laid the foundation for the operatic tradition that would thrive in the United States in the subsequent centuries. Despite initial challenges and a limited scope, the interest in opera endured, paving the way for the expansion and diversification of this art form in the 19th century.

European tours and emergence of American companies

During the 1800s, European opera companies embarked on tours across prominent cities in the United States, introducing timeless masterpieces to American spectators. Memorable shows played a significant role in the increasing appeal of opera. The emergence of American opera companies, such as the Academy of Music in New York City (1854) and the Boston Academy of Music (1853), marked a transition towards establishing a domestically nurtured operatic heritage. Opera in the 19th century became a cultural cornerstone, influencing literature, art, and societal norms. It played a role in shaping the cultural identity of growing cities, with the Metropolitan Opera, founded in 1883, emerging as a major institution.

20th century

The 20th century saw the rise of the "truly American" opera, characterized by drawing upon distinctly American themes, settings, and musical styles, such as jazz and gospel music. In this sense, the first American operas emerged in 1937, with the premieres of Virgil Thomson’s Four Saints in Three Acts and George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.

After World War II, the Ford Foundation began financially supporting the New York City Opera, in an attempt to promote more new American operas.

In the second half of the 20th-century, the number of American opera companies continued to grow, but operas written by American composers and librettists were often overlooked, receiving fewer performances and premieres. In the mid-1980s, a collaboration between Opera America, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Rockefeller Foundation began, in hopes of reinvigorating the opera scene, particularly encouraging the creation and performance of American-written operas. The collaboration was seen as a success, particularly because of its outreach to a younger audience; additionally, technology now made it even easier to provide subtitles at performances, allowing for better comprehension of performances.

American composers and global recognition

During the 20th century, American composers such as Samuel Barber, Gian Carlo Menotti, and Leonard Bernstein emerged and gained worldwide recognition for their remarkable contributions to opera. Their works showcased a sense of confidence and individuality in American operatic expression. American conductors, directors, and performers, such as Arturo Toscanini and James Levine, left an indelible mark on the global opera scene, solidifying the reputation of the Metropolitan Opera as a leading institution. The American Opera Society (founded in 1951) played a crucial role in commissioning and promoting new American works, contributing to the global operatic repertoire.

21st century

Diversity and innovation

The American opera scene has witnessed a surge in diversity during the 21st century, as various companies have embraced a broad spectrum of repertoire. Opera festivals and events, such as the Santa Fe Opera Festival and the Glimmerglass Festival, have emerged as platforms for showcasing innovation, experimentation, and the vibrant array of voices within the operatic tradition.

Opera education and training

The U.S. has become a hub for opera education, with institutions such as the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music fostering the training of aspiring opera professionals. The Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program continues to nurture emerging talent. Opera's influence on American culture persists as it tackles modern-day concerns through inventive performances and partnerships.

Further reading

• Dizikes, John (2009). Opera in America: A Cultural History. Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300061017.