Dallas Opera to Initiate New 'Linda & Mitch Hart Institute' Thanks to Generous Gift

DALLAS, OCTOBER 15, 2015 - The Dallas Opera is the proud recipient of a substantial gift from Linda and Mitch Hart which will be used to provide long-term support for an exciting, new company initiative. The much-anticipated international institute for women opera conductors will henceforth be called "The Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera."

This innovative program is designed to support the career aspirations and advancement of women conductors in the field, while addressing the various problems resulting from deep-seated gender stereotypes at the top of the profession.

The inaugural Dallas Opera Institute is scheduled to take place in Dallas at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center from November 28th through December 6, 2015 with participants (six institute fellows, four additional American observers) selected from more than a hundred qualified applicants originating in 27 countries around the globe. There is no comparable program today for addressing the needs of talented young female conductors seeking to make their mark on the world's top opera organizations.

"Groundbreaking programs begin with a brilliant idea," explains Dallas Opera Chairman Steve Suellentrop. "Once that vision is clearly defined and ready to be executed, it is incredibly important that the concept itself inspire enthusiastic responses from donors, as well as the artists involved.

"Rarely have I witnessed more immediate enthusiasm for an idea," he added, "than that inspired by this new conductors' institute."

"The Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera" was created under the auspices of General Director and CEO Keith Cerny to identify and support emerging major women conductors and provide an intensive residential program that combines master classes, coaching, and distinguished guest lecturers with hands-on podium time in front of a full-sized orchestra.

The Institute, launched with initial funding from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation, will culminate on Saturday, December 5th, in a public concert "showcase" expected to attract high-ranking industry influencers and decision makers to the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House to experience these artists at work.

Additionally, Mr. Cerny is keen to develop a national "center for excellence" for women conductors, hosted by The Dallas Opera, as well as an ongoing support network consisting of peer-to-peer discussions, experienced mentoring, regular career consultations on specific media and management issues, and steps to encourage other music organizations to develop solutions that address the ongoing gender imbalance.

"Linda and Mitch Hart have given generously, time and again, during the five years of my tenure," notes Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny. "Their operational support underwrites the season opening night performance each year and their names will appear on the west wall of the Winspear Opera House lobby among an elite group of 21st century major endowment and special gifts.

"Yet it is readily apparent to me that this particular project is an especially meaningful one for Linda and Mitch. They understood immediately the importance of this initiative and its possible impact on future generations of opera goers, and we are so proud that they have elected to demonstrate their belief in this untested program in such a tangible way."

Although "Level One" opera companies in North America (as defined by OPERA America) produce approximately a hundred different opera productions each year, women conductors will stand at the podium for only around 5% of the total number of productions during the 2015-2016 Season.

"The Dallas Opera has earned our support over the years," says Dallas philanthropist Linda Hart "by combining imaginative and innovative opera productions, programs and special events with responsible and prudent leadership.

"Mitch and I love opera, an art form that truly speaks to us. We find that it reveals as much about the human condition today as it ever did. Opera satisfies both the mind and heart in the 21st century, in ways that were inconceivable a few decades ago, before advanced technology demolished our pre-conceived notions about what could-or could not-be done onstage.

"In a similar way, it is our sincere hope that The Dallas Opera's new initiative for women conductors from the United States and around the world will help demolish any remaining pre-conceived notions and impediments to women seeking to take their place at the podium and in the highest echelons of their profession."