The History of Opera in Rochester

Rochester has a rich cultural heritage with an excellent, nationally-ranked symphony orchestra, a successful professional theater, a growing professional dance company, and a world renowned music school. Rochester also has a long history of support and enthusiasm for opera. The result is that many opera performance groups and support organizations have evolved in the course of Rochester’s musical history.

Opera Theatre of Rochester was founded in 1962 by the indomitable Ruth Rosenberg. After its inaugural season, Opera Theatre of Rochester performed three opera productions every season, all locally produced. Principal singers, directors, and conductors were primarily flown in to Rochester from New York City for a rehearsal period of about three weeks prior to the single performance of each opera. The comprimario roles, chorus, backstage crew, and company staff consisted of local professional and non-professionals. Performances were in the Eastman Theatre, accompanied by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

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