A BRIEF HISTORY of OPERA SOUTHWEST
IDENTITY: Opera Southwest (OSW), incorporated in 1972 as Albuquerque Opera Theatre, is a New Mexico 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. OSW provides a training ground for young professionals, both artistic and technical. OSW's two or three major operas a season are given three to four performances each at Albuquerque's intimate KiMo Theatre or its larger roadhouse, Popejoy Hall. Two or three smaller works are given three to sixteen performances. In all, OSW reaches around 10,000 patrons a year.
AUDIENCES: Opera audiences come from all ethnic groups and economic levels. They attend from all over New Mexico, and many regulars come from cities throughout the US. They are predominantly older and well-educated, often two-income families, but OSW's efforts to reach the younger generation are paying off with more excellent attendance by school-age audiences.
PRODUCT/PARTICIPANTS: OSW presents opera/music theatre from the standard repertoire, lesser-known Baroque and chamber operas, operas expressly for children, and new operas (often world premieres), many written by local composers. Typically, OSW pays six directors and choreographers, 20 local technicians, six designers, and about 140 performers (singers, dancers, orchestral musicians, and accompanists). OSW's administrative staff is volunteer or minimally paid.
SCHOOL OUTREACH: OSW provides entertainment and a venue for learning for students and its participants. Since operas are sung in English (or have supertitles), stories are accessible and more enjoyable. FREE TICKETS are offered to targeted school groups. Teacher's Guides are distributed. Classroom visits are scheduled before each opera.
REVIEWS and GRANTS: OSW has received critical acclaim in Opera News and local newspapers over the years. It has received grants from the National Endowment of the Arts, New Mexico Arts, Carol Franc Buck Foundation, Brabson Library and Educational Foundation, Albuquerque Community Foundation, and the City of Albuquerque UETF, as well as from civic-minded businesses and individuals.
TICKET PRICES: Tickets are affordable ($10-$35) for significant operas and $5 for children's specials. Free tickets are offered to students and several underserved groups under special programs.
EXPENSES: Costs run $15,000-30,000 for smaller works and $55,000-75,000 for the more prominent operas.
• Costs of Production elements, all created by local designers and built and run by local technicians include fees for all personnel, space rentals, materials for sets, costumes, props, scores, and occasional royalties.
• Costs of Artists, local and guest, include fees for directors, choreographers, singers, and dancers. Orchestra members are paid per service (number of rehearsals and performances). Travel and housing are provided for guests.
FUNDING: Because opera recoups, at best, about 40% of its costs from ticket sales, OSW solicits Major Sponsorships from local corporations and lending institutions to cover expenses. OSW's Educational Fund was created to collect money for free tickets to be disseminated to targeted groups through the Albuquerque Public Schools.
BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY: Businesses interested in bringing exciting new jobs to their community must consider fine-performing arts' easy availability for their employees. Also, in Albuquerque, where the public schools have chosen to curtail music education, OSW performs an invaluable and necessary service.