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Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

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description Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Overview

The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is an American summer opera festival founded in 1976. The company is known for staging its productions in English and frequently casting emerging singers who are beginning their professional careers. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center, an intimate venue that accommodates roughly 1,000 attendees. The organization's repertoire includes world premieres and contemporary works alongside standard operatic pieces.

help Opera Theatre of Saint Louis FAQ

When did Opera Theatre of Saint Louis begin, and where are its performances held?

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis was founded in 1976, and its first performance was Donizetti's Don Pasquale on May 22 that year. Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University. [Opera Theatre of Saint Louis](https://opera-stl.org/about-us/mission-history/)

Are Opera Theatre of Saint Louis productions sung in English?

Yes. The company states that every production is sung in English and accompanied by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. This language choice is a defining part of its festival model. [Opera Theatre of Saint Louis](https://opera-stl.org/about-us/mission-history/)

Why is Opera Theatre of Saint Louis known for emerging singers?

Its Gerdine Young Artist Program, established in 1986, gives early-career singers supporting roles, covers, chorus work, coaching, and showcase performances. The company also runs the Richard Gaddes Festival Artist Program for singers ready for more prominent roles. [Opera Theatre of Saint Louis](https://opera-stl.org/about-us/flagship-programs/gya/)

Does Opera Theatre of Saint Louis stage new American opera?

Yes. The company's 2025 materials reported 45 world premieres and 27 American premieres, alongside productions of established works. A recent example is Ricky Ian Gordon's This House, with a libretto by Lynn Nottage and Ruby Aiyo Gerber. [Opera Theatre of Saint Louis](https://opera-stl.org/explore-learn/blog/meet-the-2025-26-artists-in-training-class/)

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