OPERA America Announces National Opera Week 2013: October 25 - November 3

Nearly 100 opera companies, schools and organizations across the nation will celebrate the fifth NATIONAL OPERA WEEK from Friday, October 25 through Sunday, November 3, 2013, by offering free, accessible events in their communities. National Opera Week is coordinated by OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

OPERA America and participating organizations are delighted to announce that star baritone and passionate arts advocate THOMAS HAMPSON is serving at the program's Honorary Chairman. "There is something quite magical about a night at the opera," stated Hampson. "Those of you who already love the world of opera: bring your friends, bring your family. Those of you who are not quite sure you want to explore the world of opera: I promise you, you do. You will love it," he continued. A brief welcome video from Hampson is available at operaamerica.org.

National Opera Week celebrates the vibrancy of opera in America today, and brings the inventiveness and excitement of opera to a national audience. The strength and diversity of established opera companies, community opera ensembles and opera training programs across the United States will be on display through free, dynamic activities designed to engage novices, opera lovers and everyone in between. National Opera Week activities include flash opera events, open houses, online activities, lecture/demonstrations and community performances.

"From behind-the-scenes tours to enlightening performance talks to Twitter contests and more, there is something for everyone during National Opera Week," states Marc A. Scorca, president/CEO of OPERA America. "National Opera Week draws attention to the creativity and dynamism that propels our field today. We are proud to highlight this depth of opera activity across the United States."

In addition to coordinating the nationwide program, OPERA America is presenting two National Opera Week events at its National Opera Center in New York City:

The Fandom of the Opera

Tuesday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m.

Opera and technology expert Mark Schubin presents a highly entertaining lecture describing how the centuries-old art form of opera has contributed to innovations in modern media and technology. Space is limited; advance registration is requested.

Creators in Concert: OPERA America Songbook Concert

Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m.

To celebrate the opening of the National Opera Center in 2012, OPERA America commissioned new songs from 47 leading composers, creating the OPERA America Songbook. The event features world premiere performances of nine selections from this special work. For more information and to register, visit operaamerica.org/CreatorsInConcert.

For a full listing of National Opera Week activities, visit operaamerica.org/OperaWeek.