Summer lineup includes only female conductors

By Jay McKinney

When people hear the word opera, an image of elaborate singing in swank theaters might be the first thing that pops into their minds. But Opera Steamboat is redefining this classical art form and setting a progressive example for others to follow.

This summer Opera Steamboat will offer five performances, each conducted by a woman who will make her debut with the resort town’s opera. In a historically male-dominated industry, it is significant to feature an entire lineup of women conductors.

“We are a tiny company in Steamboat Springs and I think that sometimes smaller companies have the ability, sort of to push the envelope, to drive conversation forward,” says Andres Cladera, the general and artistic director for Opera Steamboat. “These are choices that companies could do and it’s something that can come from the arts, but it can transfer as they see people come to our performances, they see women in positions of leadership, and those thoughts can affect other leaders to say, ‘why shouldn’t I hire for my company, more women?’”

Along with this season’s emphasis on equality, Opera Steamboat is dedicated to its mission statement, aiming to enrich the well-being of the community through innovative, educational and collaborative musical arts programs. The enrichment of the community through educational performances is a unique aspect of Opera Steamboat, according to Cladera, who says many operas simply focus on presenting works while dismissing the impact they can have on a community.

“We have done operas that are traditional, but also we do a lot of contemporary works,” Cladera says. “A few years ago we did a partnership with Advocates of Routt County, which is an institution that focuses on spousal abuse, and we did an opera that focused on that subject matter in our collaboration with them to raise funds for that institution.”

This season’s first opera, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, focuses on neurological disorders and aims to bring awareness to the issue. In 2022, the company will be produce an opera that features a transgender story to help raise awareness in a similar way.

In addition to tackling contemporary issues and offering creative musical presentations, Opera Steamboat also performs in a variety of venues. From smaller theaters to outdoor performances that have been held at the local hot springs, it’s not what people typically expect with operas.

“We don’t have a central home right now for all of our operas, we travel and we perform in different places around town,” Cladera says. “That makes us also unique because traditionally opera companies perform in one space.”

Summer Schedule

The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat

7:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 24

Strings Music Pavilion

Conductor: Dana Sadava

La Clemenza di Tito

7:30-10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 6

Steamboat Christian Center

Conductor: Emily Senturia

The Magic Flute

7:30-9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 8

Steamboat Christian Center

Conductor: Dana Sadava

The Barber of Seville

7:30-10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 13

Strings Music Pavilion

Conductor: Maria Sensi Sellner

The Marriage of Figaro

12-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 14

Steamboat Christian Center

Conductor: Kristin Ditlow