IV 

116TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 900 

Recognizing the 50th anniversary of OPERA America. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

MARCH 12, 2020 

Ms. PINGREE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Education and Labor 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the 50th anniversary of OPERA America. 

Whereas OPERA America was founded in 1970 to serve as 

the national champion for opera and supports the interests of artists, administrators, educators, trustees, and 

audiences; 

Whereas OPERA America was launched by 20 companies 

now represented by Cincinnati Opera, Houston Grand 

Opera, Kentucky Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, 

Minnesota Opera, Mississippi Opera, New Orleans Opera, 

Opera Carolina, Opera Omaha, Opera Philadelphia, 

Opera Saratoga, Pittsburgh Opera, San Diego Opera, Seattle Opera, Tulsa Opera, and Washington National 

Opera; 

Whereas OPERA America fosters collaboration across its 

membership of over 150 professional opera companies, 


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350 associated ensembles, businesses and educational institutions, and thousands of individuals toward a shared 

vision for the art form; 

Whereas OPERA America opened the custom-built National 

Opera Center in New York City in 2012 as its headquarters and home to the opera industry, serving more 

than 80,000 individuals every year; 

Whereas OPERA America represents the opera field in the 

District of Columbia, advocating on Federal issues before 

Congress, the White House, and Federal agencies in 

order to create a more supportive environment for opera 

and all the arts; 

Whereas OPERA America has provided more than 

$15,000,000 in grants to support the creation and production of new operas in the United States and has advanced the work of female composers and creators of 

color; 

Whereas OPERA America has awarded over $5,000,000 in 

support of innovative business and performance practices 

across the opera enterprise, with emphasis on programs 

that help to recruit and retain audiences and deepen 

their engagement with the art form; 

Whereas OPERA America has stimulated the expanded civic 

practice of opera companies of all sizes to increase their 

public value outside the walls of opera houses and increase diversity and equity on stage, backstage, among 

administrators and trustees, and in the audience; 

Whereas OPERA America developed a landmark textbook 

and curriculum series that transformed the educational 

practices of opera companies and their school partners to 


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increase the creative and expressive ability of children of 

all ages; 

Whereas OPERA America has recognized the talent of rising 

opera stage directors and scenic designers and has provided learning opportunities for singers and other artists 

at all levels of career achievement; 

Whereas OPERA America is dedicated to improving the governance practices of opera companies and developing the 

leadership skills of company trustees; and 

Whereas OPERA America has nurtured the careers of thousands of company leaders and staff through professional 

development and mentorship programs and a robust cycle 

of annual forums and national conferences: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) recognizes the 50th anniversary of OPERA 

3 America; 

4 (2) congratulates OPERA America for advanc5 ing the art form and elevating the visibility of opera 

6 and opera companies across the United States; 

7 (3) appreciates OPERA America’s role as a 

8 major funder for opera in the United States; and 

9 (4) expresses admiration for OPERA America’s 

10 commitment to enriching the lives of millions of 

11 Americans and providing a source of inspiration for 

12 individual achievement and community well-being. 

Æ 


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