OPERA America Inducted into American Classical Music Hall of Fame

OPERA America, the national nonprofit service organization for opera, was recently inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame(ACMHF) in recognition of its significant service to the field.

"It gives us great pleasure to welcome OPERA America into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame," declared Executive Director Nina Perlove. "Through groundbreaking programs of exceptional quality, OPERA America has continued to invigorate opera creators and audiences, creating a lasting impact on our field," she continued.

David Klingshim, founder of the ACMHF, presented the award to OPERA America President/CEO Marc A. Scorca during a private event hosted by Cincinnati Opera. Cincinnati wildlife artist John Ruthven designed the gold ACMHF medallion, which features an eagle with a lyre.

The American Classical Music Hall of Fame honors the great artists and institutions that have helped shape the landscape of American music and in doing so, nurture current and future classical music enthusiasts. The ACMHF has honored over 180 inductees in the areas of composition, solo artist, chamber music, conducting, education and institution.

Founded in 1970 by 17 opera company general directors, the initial objective of OPERA America was modest: to establish open lines of communication between opera companies for the purpose of sharing productions. Since then, OPERA America's services and scope have increased exponentially as the organization facilitates the development of a growing industry. In addition to general directors, OPERA America's programs now serve the entire opera field, including a broad spectrum of administrators from opera companies of all sizes, trustees, artists, students, educators, music publishers, artists managers and leaders of allied businesses. As part of its continuing strategic development, new programs are being designed to engage and inform a broader and more diverse audience for the art form.

With its unique national perspective, OPERA America has honed an array of programs and services over its 43-year history:

- Professional development activities, including an annual conference, where the industry gathers for inspiration and to learn new skills; the Leadership Intensive, which identifies and develops future opera company leaders; and Forums focusing on issues such as singer training, new works, marketing/PR and electronic media.

- Programs to increase awareness and appreciation of opera and its artists, such as National Opera Week, which celebrates the joy of opera through fun, free events nationwide; audience development initiatives in conjunction with opera companies; and performances of new works and discussions with their creators, live-streamed to a national audience.

- Grants totaling more than $11 million to facilitate the creation and presentation of new North American operas.

- Research and data analysis facilitating the work of opera companies, scholars and journalists.

OPERA America amplified these endeavors with the opening of its National Opera Center in 2012, which was constructed in response to the industry's critical need for a suitable facility for auditions, rehearsals, coachings and recordings. The National Opera Center further enables OPERA America to serve the needs of an opera community that is widely dispersed, yet highly collaborative.

"On behalf of OPERA America, its board of directors, donors, members and staff, I am truly honored by this recognition. We deeply thank the American Classical Music Hall of Fame for the honor," stated President/CEO Marc A. Scorca. "For more than 40 years, OPERA America has been dedicated to advancing this art form about which we feel so passionately. With OPERA America's 50th anniversary on the horizon in 2020, we are eager to continue leading and serving our evolving and exciting industry," he concluded.

Mr. Scorca will celebrate his 25th year at the helm of OPERA America in 2015.

Other inductees from the 2012-2013 American Classical Music Hall of Fame class include Steve Reich, David Zinman, Dale Warland, Nadia Boulanger, The Beaux Arts Trio, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Emanuel Ax.