Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute Marks 10 Years with Celebratory Concert

The Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute will commemorate its 10th anniversary with a special Showcase Concert on January 25, 2024. The event is set to take place at 3 p.m. at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas. This milestone celebration will feature alumnae from the first decade of the Institute, who will conduct the Dallas Opera Orchestra and guest singers in performances of operatic selections that have played a significant role in the organization’s history.

Highlighted conductors for the concert include Tiffany Chang, Michelle Di Russo, Tianyi Lu, and Shira Samuels-Shragg. They will lead the orchestra in pieces from operas such as “L’italiana in Algeri”, “Moby-Dick”, and “Turandot”.

In addition to the musical performances, the concert will include video retrospectives and personal reminiscences from distinguished guests. Following the concert, a virtual reunion for all Institute alumnae is also planned for later that week, fostering connections among past participants.

This season’s faculty features notable figures in the arts, including renowned administrators Deborah Borda, Serge Dorny, and Deborah Rutter. The team also includes the Dallas Opera’s artistic consultant David Lomelí and the inaugural Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Fellow, Jingqi Zhu, a 2023 alumna and conductor.

In a statement, Ian Derrer, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of the Dallas Opera, expressed pride in the Institute’s impact. He stated, “When the Hart Institute began 10 years ago, we knew it had the potential to create a significant impact. Now we see how this program has made a huge difference in the lives and careers of many talented conductors. We are so proud of our alumnae, and we look forward to this program continuing to make change in this field.”

The Hart Institute has established itself as a vital component of the Dallas Opera, providing essential training and opportunities for emerging conductors and contributing to the broader operatic community. As the Institute celebrates this significant milestone, it highlights its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of opera through education and mentorship.