Our Mission
To produce professional opera and musical productions of the highest artistic quality and to provide educational programming and outreach to students and adults in the Ark-La-Tex region.
Our History
Shreveport Opera is one of the oldest opera companies in the country and has been privileged to host some of the world’s greatest performers including Beverly Sills, Franco Corelli, Leontyne Price and Sherrill Milnes. It has also enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to help launch the careers of internationally acclaimed stars such as Renee Fleming and Greer Grimsley.
Over the years, there have been many creative leaders of the company, notably Mr. Robert Murray, who held the reigns for 17 years, producing prominent productions while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Nearly all of the traditional operatic repertoire has been presented since its founding in July 1949.
What We Do
About Us
Annually, Shreveport Opera produces three professional mainstage productions as well as hosts numerous special events including The Mary Jacobs Smith Singer of the Year Competition. Shreveport Opera also tours the Shreveport Opera Xpress (SOX) education and outreach program, reaching approximately 30,000 students and adults with the performances and their social messages. It is the only opera education and outreach program of its kind in the state!
The strengths of Shreveport Opera are its long and rich history, a dedicated and supportive Board of Directors, the Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild, our patrons, a strong financial position, and a talented and hardworking staff who are dedicated to bringing the highest artistic quality productions to the Shreveport-Bossier community and region.
Shreveport Opera will only thrive in the future with the continued financial support of the individuals, foundations and corporations in our community. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (Tax ID# 72-6021455), Shreveport Opera is operating in the black in a fiscally responsible way. We are growing our future audience by exposing students to opera via the SOX program, and we simply ask everyone to give opera a chance. You may surprise yourself!
For more information on how you can support Shreveport Opera, please contact us at (318) 227-9503 or boxoffice@shreveportopera.org.
Administrative Team
STEVE AIKEN
is the General & Artistic Director for Shreveport Opera. He was raised in Anchorage, Alaska and studied at the University of Alaska and Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He enjoyed nearly twenty years of performing as an operatic baritone prior to settling into the administrative side of the opera world. He is the former General Director for Opera Memphis and General Director for Advancement for Nashville Opera. Steve is honored to have served as the General & Artistic Director with Shreveport Opera since 2008.
Phone
318.227.9503
NANCY MCCARTER
is the Administrative Assistant for Shreveport Opera. Prior to joining Shreveport Opera, Nancy was the Infrastructure Manager at General Dynamics Information Technology. She is an accomplished defense professional, with over 20 years of progressive experience with the Joint Staff, Services, and international community. She graduated from the University of San Diego with an MM in International Relations. She found her love of opera through her service on the Shreveport Bossier Opera Guild where she served as President for the 2022-2023 season.
Phone
318.227.9503
CATHEY SHOLAR
is the Director of Patron Services for Shreveport Opera. She is a long-time member of the Shreveport area. She is active in her church, her community and, certainly, Shreveport Opera. She and her husband Steve are proud parents of two adult children, Ashley and Jeffrey. Cathey has long been associated with the arts, working for both Shreveport Opera and the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. She is a former teacher with the Caddo Parish School District and an indispensable part of the Shreveport Opera Team!
Phone
318.227.9503
Shreveport Opera
Board of Directors 2024-25
Sandra Harrold | President
Marcia Moffatt | Vice President
Carol Reyenga | Secretary
Tom Simms III | Treasurer
Marcia Moffatt | Past-President
Kathryn Smitherman | Guild President
La Wanda Blakeney
Bobbie Brasher
Luretta Bybee
Mikey Carlisle
Marletta Eddy
Holly French-Hart
Elizabeth Glassell
Jodie Glorioso
William Lacefield
Alfred Lacy
Michael McCarthy
Mark McCrocklin
Mark Owen
Sybil Patten
Rev. Rothell Price
Toby Quarles
Jan Querbes
JoAnna Robinson
Robert Robinson, DrPh
Lois Rowe
Marshall Shaw
Libby Siskron
Mary Ann Valiulis
Judith Werner
to our
Corporate Sponsors
This list reflects all donors during for our 2024 season.
To help support us, please call 318-227-9503.
to our
Opera Club Members
This list reflects all donors during our 74th season, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
Unrestricted donations, artist sponsorships and gifts in support of the SOX program of $1,000+ cumulative qualify donors for membership in Opera Club. To join the Opera Club, please call 318-227-9503.
Eileen & Mike Adkins
American Online Giving Foundation
The J.B. Atkins Foundation
Dr. Dale Bauman & Paula Leonard
Dr. Jack & Anita Berg
Drs. La Wanda & Ernest Blakeney
Will N. Blanchard
Joseph A. Bocchini Jr., MD
Barbara “Bobbie” Watkins Brasher
Caddo Parish Schools
Caddo Parish Commission
City of Shreveport
The Community Foundation of North Louisiana
Community Foundation of North Louisiana
– Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Fund
Community Network, Inc.
Laura & Ed Crawford
The Crow Foundation
First Presbyterian Church Shreveport – D. Thomason Grant
Ruth Doreck Credit Shelter Trust
Marletta Eddy
Evolve Foundation
Ginger & Glenn Flournoy
Sanders Fowler
The Alta & John Franks Foundation
Josephine K. “Jodie” Glorioso
Scott H. Green & Robert D. Smith
Dayne & Kathy Hassell
Peggy & Mark Heacock
Louise Jackson
Carole & Bill Lacefield
Alfred Lacy
Dr. & Mrs. Robert T. Lafargue
Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by SRAC. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment of the Arts.