Amid Cincinnati's diverse cultural landscape, Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals (COYP) is turning heads with its dynamic approach to arts engagement. Composed of young opera lovers aged 40 and under, COYP hosts events throughout the year to support its three-pronged mission: 1) to bring down the barriers of entry to enjoying the operatic art form, 2) to raise funds in support of new and innovative Cincinnati Opera programming, and 3) to grow a community of arts lovers within the greater Cincinnati area.
COYP Bacchanal • January 26, 2024
Formerly known as “Center Stage,” the group’s recent rebrand to Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals was intended to signal a renewed focus on inclusivity and camaraderie. And in January, COYP hosted its official coming-out party—its first annual signature fundraiser, the COYP Bacchanal. According to Nicolette Rader, Cincinnati Opera’s Director of Corporate and Event Fundraising, the event marked a turning point for COYP, relaunching it as a welcoming hub for budding opera enthusiasts.
Leaning into opera’s “more is more” ethos, the Bacchanal’s entertainment was decidedly over-the-top, including buzzy DJ-spun dance tunes and opera, burlesque, and drag performances. The room was brought to life through dazzling projection mapping by design students from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program under the leadership of Professor Sean Hafer. Guests were encouraged to dress in “Greco-Roman disco glam,” and the crowd fully understood the assignment. In the end, the COYP Bacchanal was so much more than a party; it was an invitation for the opera-curious to dive into an opera-centric experience that defied expectations.
According to Rader, this is just the beginning. The coming months hold an array of experiences designed to provide a welcoming glimpse into opera—from Singers & Spirits, where opera meets mixology at local wine bars and breweries, to Divas & Diamonds, a night of glimmering gems and gorgeous music at Richter & Phillips Jewelers.
Curious to learn more? Connect with COYP on Instagram to stay up-to-date on upcoming events.
Special thanks to these COYP Bacchanal Sponsors:
And these Event Partners: