The Marriage of Figaro (2013). Photograph: Mark Matson
Austin’s First Professional Opera Company
Founded in May 1986, Austin Lyric Opera (ALO) is a cultural destination for the community that delivers an extraordinary experience as well as a creative environment that demystifies the art form. ALO is committed to lifelong learning, celebrating the diversity that makes Austin unique and of course producing outstanding opera that will entertain, enrich and educate the central Texas community.
About Austin Lyric Opera
ALO operas consistently garner praise for production values, musical artistry and set design. ALO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of artistic integrity. Works from previous seasons include Jake Heggie’s “Dead Man Walking,” Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Rodriguez’s “La Curandera,” Puccini’s “La bohème,” Verdi’s “La Traviata” and Puccini’s “Turandot.” ALO maintains its high production quality through the leadership of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Richard Buckley.
ALO was founded under the leadership of Artistic/Music Director Walter Ducloux and General Director Joseph McClain who brought many years of international artistic experience to the new company in Austin. This team, in tandem with an exemplary founding Board of Trustees and staff, built a company infused with the special energy and dynamics of Texas and its capital city. Supported from its inception by an active Guild of around 150 devotees, ALO has rapidly gathered momentum in the community, establishing educational opportunities and implementing successful audience development and fundraising efforts.
The artistry and musical excellence for which ALO is known continues in the company’s performance home, the acoustically noteworthy Dell Hall at the Long Center. Pre-curtain lectures are provided free to ticket holders before each opera performance at the Long Center.
Austin Lyric Opera
(512) 472-5992
3009 Industrial Terrace, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78758
ALO Educational Efforts
La Noche de Opera
Austin Lyric Opera offers community programs such as “La Noche de Opera,” providing Hispanic audiences with a full schedule of educational and social activities to increase their engagement with the art form.Current efforts are also under way to initiate new groups for young professionals and others.
Opera by Night
The “Opera by Night” program offers free tickets to dress rehearsal performances for up to 5,000 students (grades 5-12) and their families per year. Educational packets are distributed to students and teachers through Austin schools to prepare them for what is often their first chance to experience live opera and to provide teachers with a valuable tool to supplement their own classroom curriculum.
Opera Treasure Chest
The “Opera Treasure Chest” program allows teachers to enliven their own class time while preparing their students for an active and engaging live opera performance. This program has served approximately 1,000-1,500 students in the past year, providing teachers with a special opportunity to use opera as a teaching tool for music as well as other subjects.
Pagliacci Project
ALO and the Butler Opera Center of the University of Texas partnered to bring Pagliacci to the streets of Austin and the surrounding areas with “The Pagliacci Project.” Performing an English version of the opera’s second act, “The Pagliacci Project” appeared at popular venues such as clubs, shopping malls and outdoor street festivals. These free performances were enjoyed by hundreds of people.
For more information, please visit: www.austinlyricopera.org
