Cedar Rapids Opera
The mission of Cedar Rapids Opera is to advance opera as a vital, living American art form and to develop the artists who create it, as well as the audience that appreciates and supports it.
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This year Cedar Rapids Opera celebrates 26 years of living its mission to advance opera as a vital, living American art form and to develop the artists who create it as well as the audience that appreciates and supports it.
Founded in 1998 by Dr. Daniel Kleinknecht, Cedar Rapids Opera presents two to three operas each season for over 7,000 audience members and community school students, as well as special events. CRO’s Young Artist Program, active since 2003, offers college and university-educated students of vocal performance, a paid opportunity to understudy principal roles, sing comprimario roles, participate in school outreach productions, work this nationally and internationally recognized artists, and take masterclasses.
Each year, CRO offers provides free performances of a specially crafted children’s opera over 4,000 children in the Cedar Rapids Community School District and other local elementary schools. CRO also provides private vocal instruction to high school students who might experience barriers to access through the Lift Every Voice: Artist in Residence program in partnership with Cedar Rapids schools.