Opera is a classical art form that dates back centuries. Often, it is performed in different languages and shows typically last for hours. However, when Dianela Acosta moved to Colorado from New York, she decided to take a unique approach to this ancient art. She began the Boulder Opera Company in 2012 with a mission to make opera more accessible to families and children.
“The first performance we put on as a company was Cendrillon (Cinderella),” said Acosta. “At the time, I had a baby and was trying to get involved in the local arts scene. Many of my friends also had children, so I created short one-hour productions at the playhouse. It was incredibly well received, and I began to get excited. From there, we developed a program and annual season of performances that remain friendly for families with children.”
The Boulder Opera Company strives to make opera more accessible to a wider audience. “Many of our performances are operas that are connected to a book or fairy tale, so kids can understand the story. We have long-standing partnerships with many local schools, where we bring students to the theater and connect them with opera. Recently, we began offering subtitles on all our performances. The future of opera is in the younger generations, and one of our focuses is on getting youth excited about the art form.”
Acosta herself began singing later in life. “For me, singing became a form of therapy. It kept me grounded and gave me a purpose. The more I learned about the history of opera, the more I fell in love with it. Performing became a way to transform into someone else for a moment. The art of opera brings people together – it can even provide healing with its vibrations. It’s something so beautiful with such a positive effect.”
The Boulder Opera Company receives cultural grant funding from the Boulder Arts Commission. If you are thinking about applying for a grant, Acosta advises to infuse passion into your writing. “The enthusiasm you have about your work reads through in a grant. Talk to everyone about your passions and your art form. Take advantage of all the resources and informational meetings offered. And don’t give up just because a few doors may close.”
Upcoming Boulder Opera Company performances include “The Adventures of Pinocchio” on Dec. 14 and 15 and “Puccini’s Double Bill: Gianni Schicchi and Il Tabarro” later in February. For more information about the Boulder Opera Company and future performances, please visit their website at BoulderOperaCompany.com and follow them on social media @boulderoperaco.