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
Community Events
Dr. David DiChiera Music Therapy Program
Singers of the Detroit Opera Touring Ensemble will visit Henry Ford Cancer, 2800 West Grand Blvd to bring healing music patients, hospital staff and visitors on November 14, 2024 from 2pm to 3pm
November 14, 2024
What an investment in Detroit Opera really says is that we want innovative work happening here, and we want to export that work to all over the country—because it means that Detroit’s entire profile rises with each new production.”
Yuval Sharon, Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director of Detroit Opera