Chelsea Opera , whose critically-acclaimed productions in New York City have earned it distinction as "a diamond among small companies" (Opera News), announces the retirement of its co-founder, Lynne Hayden-Findlay , effective October 1, 2024..
Hayden-Findlay, along with co-founder Leonarda Priore, launched Chelsea Opera in 2004. The company was immediately recognized by media, the music industry and audiences for the exceptionally high quality of its productions, ambitious programming and commitment to American composers alongside core operatic repertoire.
Leonarda Priore will assume her duties until a qualified replacement can be named. Priore will also continue as President and Co-Founder. The company has begun a search to fill a newly-created administrative position that will support the day-to-day operations of the company and a fund to assist in funding same. Information at this link.
"It has been an amazing journey, creating Chelsea Opera with Lynne," says Priore. "We will miss her artistic wisdom, unending dedication to production tasks large and small, and her guiding hand in the company. At the same time, we are excited about Lynne's opportunity to dive into "seeking her ancestry" and our newly expanded board of directors will move forward with renewed spirit for Chelsea Opera's future and we are extremely enthusiastic about our new directions."
"Chelsea Opera has been my passion ever since we first began," says Hayden-Findlay. "At this point in my life, however, I am ready for new endeavors, and I know that Chelsea Opera will continue to flourish."
Since its beginning in 2004, Chelsea Opera has produced the world premiere of Matthew Harris's The Mark of Cain, as well as four U.S. and regional premieres. It is the recipient of two NEA grants, the first for the Quincy, Massachusetts performance of Gary Fagin's A Distant Love: Songs of John and Abigail Adams and more recently for this fall's revival of Tom Cipullo's Glory Denied. The company provides opportunities and encouragement to both emerging and established singers, performers, instrumentalists, designers and others, many of whom have gone on to major careers in the U.S. and abroad.
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