Join Today
The Black Opera Project is a $6-million initiative. As a supporter, you are part of a visionary community that is shaping the future of opera and the arts in America. Your commitment enables Cincinnati Opera to present this world-class, transformative project that brings national attention to our community and celebrates the beauty and richness of Black culture.
U - Upon request
R - Reservation required
Give on your own terms
Your support empowers artists, amplifies voices, and helps create a lasting cultural impact. Join us in making this transformative project a reality in a way that works best for you—every contribution matters.
John Lewis with Flag
Photo by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Ways to give
One-time or multi-year pledge
*Fulfilled by December 28, 2028Gifts of stock or other appreciated assets
Donor-advised fund contributions
IRA or retirement plan distributions
Gifts to Cincinnati Opera are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Have questions? Want to learn more? Visit The Black Opera Project for details or reach out to Ken Wetstein kwetstein@cincinnatiopera.org, or Marissa Abernathy mabernathy@cincinnatiopera.org.
“The launch of The Black Opera Project marks the fruition of dreams long held by Black artists like me. While I was singing the title role in Porgy and Bess in 2019, Cincinnati Opera leaders invited my fellow cast members and me into a conversation about opera’s future. My colleagues and I expressed concern that there were no operas that truly represented the African American culture in a positive, modern, realistic, and contemporaneously relatable way. I asked, ‘When is there going to be an opera that has the same impact on the operatic stage that the movie Black Panther had on the big screen?’ We knew there was a critical need to create and develop works that represented the vastness and beauty of the African American experience.
Cincinnati Opera bought into this vision, fully dedicating themselves to bringing the Black Opera Project to life. I’m excited about what this initiative means both for people of color and for opera fans everywhere who’ll get a chance to see what Black joy looks like on the opera stage. We’re making history and changing our art form for the better.”
—Morris Robinson, world-renowned bass and Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor
The Black Opera Project is made possible, in part, through the generous support of:
