Community is at the heart of Detroit Opera. From Ann Arbor to Belle Isle, we strive to make opera and dance accessible and relevant to all.
Our programs inspire and engage members of our community of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of settings, including houses of faith, retirement homes, hospitals, and parks—enriching lives through the transformative power of the arts.
Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive cultural landscape that reflects the diversity and creativity of Detroit, ensuring that all can experience the joy and beauty of opera and dance.
Our programs include:
- Opera Goes to Church: We partner with local faith communities on musical collaborations, which culminate in joint concerts or grand musical celebrations at the place of worship.
- Dr. David DiChiera Music Therapy Program: Henry Ford Hospital hosts our Detroit Opera Touring Ensemble twice a month to bring music to patients, hospital staff, and visitors. Music is a healing experience in which we invite all to partake.
- Opera in the Parks: Each summer, Detroit Opera brings the uplifting power of music to a variety of parks in partnership with the City of Detroit as well as the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
- Opera Clubs: This neighborhood program works with community volunteers and neighborhood associations to introduce newcomers to upcoming operas and presents intimate vocal concerts.
- Overtures to Opera: Representatives from Detroit Opera are invited by community partners to provide an opera-based program to their constituents with singers, performers, and/or speakers.
- Dance Masterclasses: Local dancers can participate in masterclasses with visiting dance companies—at a low cost, or free with a ticket to the weekend performance.
- Dance in the Community: Select visiting dance companies engage with our community through a variety of programs, including free dance lessons, lectures, or mini-performances.
For more information about our community engagement efforts and events or to inquire about bringing Detroit Opera singers to your venue, please contact Arthur White, Director of Community and Audience Engagement, at awhite@detroitopera.org.
Upcoming Events
SAT / JUL 18 / 3:00 PM
Festa Italiana
Sterling Heights
Performances by Brianna Robinson, Soprano, Rolfe Dauz, Baritone, John Etsell, Piano and Arthur White, Host
WED / JUL 22 / 12:00 PM
Lunch Time Serenade
Campus Martius, Detroit
Performances by Brianna Robinson, Soprano, Travis Williams, Tenor, Rolfe Dauz, Baritone, John Etsell, Piano, and Arthur White, Host
SUN / JUL 26
Palmer Park Evening Serenade
Palmer Park, Detroit – Band Shell
Performances by Brianna Robinson, Soprano, Travis Williams, Tenor, Rolfe Dauz, Baritone, John Etsell, Piano, and Arthur White, Host
WED / AUG 5 / 7:00 PM
City of Oak Park Concert Series
Shepard Park Oak Park, Michigan
Performances by Brianna Robinson, Soprano, Veena Akama-Makia, Mezzo-Soprano, Travis Williams, Tenor, Rolfe Dauz, Baritone, John Etsell, Piano, and Arthur White, Host
WED / AUG 12 / 6:30 PM
MOBIG on Belle Isle
Sunset Pointe, Belle Isle
Performances by Brianna Robinson, Soprano, Travis Williams, Jacob Surzyn, Baritone, John Etsell, Piano, and Arthur White, Host