Opera Veterans Launch New Performance Company

A group of Kansas City opera professionals has launched a new performance company called Opera180. The new organization was co-founded by local opera production veterans Nate Wheatley and Sadie DeSantis. Organized as a 501(c)3 company, Opera180 was created to introduce the opera genre to Kansas Citians who may not be familiar with opera. In addition, the mission of Opera180 is to provide a performance pipeline for young, aspiring opera performers throughout the region who currently face an opportunity gap between college and only the large companies in major cities.

Opera180 performances bring opera to life in exciting new ways. The performances are typically one hour to an hour and a half in length (much shorter than traditional opera), are held in hip, fun locations such as rooftops, event spaces and other unique locations, and are usually designed for more intimate audiences of under 150 people.

A launch party was held on Saturday night at the Weinberger Art Gallery in the Crossroads. In addition to several announcements, opera singers performed a unique repertoire from opera classics such as La Boheme, La Giaconda, and Samson and Delilah. In keeping with the idea of turning opera on its heels, the performers also sang pop pieces from artists such as Bonnie Tyler, Journey, Florence and the Machine, and TLC.

Nate Wheatley, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Opera180, stated, "We have seen this model successfully executed in other markets including New York, Detroit, and Austin, and given our backgrounds and passion to keep the art of opera alive for many years to come, we thought it was time to bring an exciting new twist on opera to Kansas City. In addition to the fun we bring to our audiences, we are also dedicated to providing another performance outlet for the many young opera performers living in our area."

The first performance of Opera180 is titled Bon Operatit. The event will consist of three parts including composer Lee Hoiby's Bon Appétit based on Julia Child, a cooking demonstration by a local KC chef, and Jennifer Jolley's Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens inspired by the colorful Paula Deen. Bon Operatit will be held in April. Additional performances will be held throughout 2018. Information on performances, including how to audition, can be found at opera180.org

About OPERA180: Opera180 is a 501(c)3 organization based in Kansas City, Missouri. The mission is to introduce the art of opera to new and established audiences in fun and innovative ways. The organization also provides aspiring young opera performers with a new venue to practice their craft.