ABOUT Opera Maine
Our Mission Statement
Opera Maine is dedicated to providing creative and inspiring opera productions and other performances of artistic excellence and ensuring that they are accessible to and representative of our community. We foster young operatic talent, provide educational opportunities related to opera, and engage our audiences in ways that excite enthusiasm for the artform.
Opera is an art form that uniquely expresses the range of human emotions and experiences, and embodies the resiliency of the human spirit. It has the power to transcend barriers and transform lives. Opera Maine embraces our role as a conduit to foster enlightenment, empathy, and understanding, within individuals as well as within our community. In this troubled time we stand with our Black artists and fellow Americans against racism and injustice.
Opera Maine endorses the sentiments expressed by OPERA America, read here
Our History
Bruce Hangen, Music Director of the Portland Symphony from 1976 to 1985, had the dream of forming an opera company in Maine, but there was no venue in Portland where opera could be performed in full production. Plans moved forward in 1994 when the State Theatre became available. Hangen assembled a group of friends and supporters to form the Portland Opera Repertory Theater and he persuaded Dona D. Vaughn to act as the Stage Director for the fledgling company. In 2007 the name was changed to PORTopera and in 2017 the name arrived at Opera Maine.
The inaugural production, held at the State Theatre in July 1995, was Carmen. It was an instant success with both critics and audiences. In 1996 the company presented Puccini’s Madama Butterfly to great acclaim. The 1996 season also introduced PORTopera’s Young Artist Program—an educational endeavor to help the careers of emerging young singers. In 1997, PORTopera moved to the newly renovated Merrill Auditorium in Portland with a fullscale production of Puccini’s Tosca. Both of the two performances sold out. The Young Artist Program was then expanded to include six operatic concerts in other parts of the state. In 2017 The company name was changed to Opera Maine and the Young Artist Program became known as the Studio Artist Program.
Since 1997, the company has produced a single mainstage production in July of each year in Merrill Auditorium, except in 2009 when a 15th anniversary concert of opera scenes was presented. Over the years, nearly 90 different singers have participated in the Studio Artist Program, performing in the mainstage productions and taking semistaged operas to thousands of residents throughout Maine.
In 2003, Bruce Hangen, who had served as Artistic Director and conducted most productions, left PORTopera, and Dona D. Vaughn, who had directed every mainstage production for the company was named Artistic Director. She continues to fill the role of Stage Director. Past conductors include, Stephen Lord, Giovanni Reggioli, Roberto Kalb, and Israel Gursky returns in 2024.
Past Seasons
Over its twenty-nine year history, Opera Maine has presented many of the world’s favorite operas, from Mozart to Puccini. Under the artistic direction of Dona D.Vaughn and the musical direction of such internationally renowned conductors as Stephen Lord and Israel Gursky, Opera Maine’s productions have been widely acclaimed. Our outstanding performers have ranged from rising young stars to Kate Aldrich and the legendary James Morris.
Our Leadership
Opera Maine is a nonprofit performing arts organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. An Advisory Council also provides valuable expertise and guidance. Our staff is headed by Artistic Director Dona D. Vaughn, Executive Director Caroline Musica Koelker and Studio Artist Program Director Richard Gammon.