When you watch a Cincinnati Opera performance, it can often feel like magic. The music sweeps you away, the stories captivate you, and the visual elements transport you to another world. But behind the scenes, active collaboration among hundreds of artists and artisans is what makes the magic happen.
For all of Cincinnati Opera’s 105 seasons, our work has been elevated by our valued artistic and professional partners. We’d like to introduce you to some of the collaborators who help bring our Summer Festival to life.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
A view of the CSO in the pit during Cincinnati Opera’s 2022 production of Aida.
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a key player—literally! Since Cincinnati Opera’s founding in 1920, the CSO has been our musical partner in the pit. In fact, one reason Cincinnati Opera performs primarily in the summer is that we were founded, in part, to provide year-round employment to CSO musicians. This bedrock partnership proves that great music is better when it’s made together.
Did you know? The CSO’s Music Director Designate Cristian Măcelaru made his Cincinnati debut conducting Cincinnati Opera’s 2015 production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore.
American Guild of Musical Artists
The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is the professional union for opera singers (soloists and choristers), directors, stage managers, choreographers, and dancers. AGMA ensures fair working conditions and advocates for artists so they can focus on delivering their best work. Cincinnati Opera is proud to partner with AGMA and shares its commitment to valuing the people at the heart of the art.
Did you know? Founded in 1936, AGMA now represents more than 6000 artists across the U.S.
Cincinnati Stage Employees (IATSE Local #5 and Local #864)
While performers shine under the spotlight, members of Cincinnati Stage Employees (Local #5 and Local #864 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. These skilled professionals handle lighting, sound, scenery, props, costumes, and so much more, and their expertise helps make every performance look seamless.
Did you know? Members of Local #5 and Local #864 contribute to the success of many of the region’s most popular performance venues, including Music Hall, the Aronoff Center, the Taft Theater, Riverbend Music Center, and beyond.
Music Hall Technical Director Gary Kidney stands on the Springer Auditorium stage. Photo by Philip Groshong.
Cincinnati Arts Association
Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) manages two of the city’s most iconic venues: Music Hall, where Cincinnati Opera performs, and the Aronoff Center for the Arts. CAA’s team ensures that Music Hall offers an inviting atmosphere where Cincinnati Opera audiences can fully immerse themselves in each performance.
Did you know? CAA recruits, trains, and oversees the dozens of volunteers who serve as ushers at Music Hall throughout the Opera season. You can learn more about volunteering for CAA here.
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
The centerpiece of every Cincinnati Opera performance is its incredible voices, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) offers one of the highest-regarded training programs in the world. Many of CCM’s talented students and graduates get their start on Cincinnati Opera’s stage and behind the scenes, gaining valuable experience while adding fresh energy to each production. Since 2011, the Opera and CCM have partnered on Opera Fusion: New Works, a unique creative collaboration that fosters the development of new American opera.
Did you know? In 1916, Bertha Baur, then-president of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (a CCM precursor), recruited conductor Ralph Lyford as the first head of the school’s new opera department. Four years later, Lyford and local philanthropists Mary Emery and Anna Sinton Taft joined forces to officially found the Cincinnati Summer Opera at the Cincinnati Zoo.
A moment from the Opera Fusion: New Works workshop for Lalovavi (May 2024). Photo by Philip Groshong.
Cincinnati Ballet
When opera calls for dance, Cincinnati Opera frequently partners with Cincinnati Ballet to add beauty and movement to our productions. Whether it’s a full ballet sequence like in Aida or Carmen or subtle choreography, their dancers offer another layer of powerful storytelling to the stage.
Did you know? Cincinnati Ballet dancers will be a dynamic part of Cincinnati Opera’s upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof (July 2025).
Cincinnati Ballet dancers appeared in Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 production of La Traviata. Photo by Philip Groshong.