Board Co-Chairs' Letter

FROM THE BOARD CO-CHAIRS GREGG KVISTAD AND ANNE MCGONAGLE

Welcome to Central City Opera’s 2021 Festival!

As many of you have witnessed over the years, Central City Opera’s mission is to “sing extraordinary stories to spark imagination, inspire creativity and open minds to the breadth of human experience.” That holds this year — a year like no other — as all of us, Central City Opera’s artists, staff members, supporters and patrons have really been put to task. How do we stage and enjoy outstanding, imaginative performances in the midst of a constantly changing world that not only informs, but actually defines and specifies how that mission will be realized?

Every once in a while, going back to one’s roots is a source of inspiration. Especially this year. How do we spark imagination in a new performance environment? How do we do that in a completely different setting, in the open air, outside our beloved 1878 Opera House? In short, it is complicated. But it is also invigorating, thought-provoking and healing in ways we have never experienced before. Thankfully, Central City Opera has 89 years of rich history and experience to draw upon.

Our standards have not wavered; every artistic and logistical detail has been handled with the utmost forethought and care. We invite you to take it all in as we endeavor to inspire creativity and open minds to revel in this beautiful art form. Though we’ve never done it in quite this manner, this is what Central City Opera has done for generations and will continue to do for many more.

We are excited to welcome our patrons back to Central City Opera, live and in-person!

Gregg Kvistad and Anne McGonagle Co-Chairs, Central City Opera Board of Directors