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The Opera Company of Philadelphia is Philadelphia's only producer of grand opera, performing at the Academy of Music, America's oldest, continuously-running opera house. Established in 1975 through a merger of the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company and the Philadelphia Lyric Opera Company, the Opera Company of Philadelphia is considered home to some of opera's brightest singers, composers, directors, and conductors.
The Opera Company boasts a long history of quality grand opera productions cast with a unique blend of international stars and rising young talent. Primary to identifying rising young talent is the Opera Company's close association with two of the country's premiere operatic educational institutions -- The Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre and the Academy of Vocal Arts.
Under the leadership of General and Artistic Director Robert B. Driver, the Opera Company of Philadelphia has experienced significant growth since 1991, with a dramatic increase in both subscribers and number of performances.
In 1998, Robert Driver approached then Board Chairman Jack Mulroney, upon his retirement as president and COO of Rohm & Haas Corporation, asking him to become the Company's President. Jack Mulroney served in this full-time, volunteer position until his unexpected passing in September 2004. He leaves behind a legacy of stability and growth at the Opera Company, and is dearly missed by colleagues.
Two major staff appointments have occurred in recent seasons. In 2004, the Opera Company announced the appointment of Maestro Corrado Rovaris as the first ever Music Director. A guest conductor in Philadelphia since 1999, Maestro Rovaris hails from Italy where he is a frequent guest at Milan's La Scala. Fall of 2005 brought the completion of an extensive North American search to fill a crucial, newly-created role, when David B. Devan was named as the Company's new Managing Director. Mr. Devan joined the staff in January 2006, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and enthusiasm to the Company.
The Opera Company looks forward to continued growth and artistic development in the coming years; Philadelphia's operatic tradition is strong, and its future bright.
