Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute Marks 10 Years with Special Concert

The Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute will commemorate its 10th anniversary with a special Showcase Concert on January 25, 2024, at 3 p.m. in the renowned Winspear Opera House. This event will feature alumnae from the Institute’s first decade, showcasing their talents in a performance that highlights significant operatic works connected to the organization’s history.

Alumnae including Tiffany Chang, Michelle Di Russo, Tianyi Lu, and Shira Samuels-Shragg will each take the conductor’s podium to lead the Dallas Opera Orchestra and guest singers. The concert repertoire will include selections from operas such as “L’italiana in Algeri,” “Moby-Dick,” and “Turandot.” This celebration promises to not only showcase musical talent but also to reflect on the Institute’s impact over the past decade.

In addition to the musical performances, the concert will feature video retrospectives and personal reminiscences from distinguished guests. A virtual reunion for all Institute alumnae is also planned for later in the week, further emphasizing the community built through the Hart Institute.

This season, the faculty comprises renowned arts administrators including Deborah Borda, Serge Dorny, and Deborah Rutter, alongside David Lomelí, the Dallas Opera’s artistic consultant. Notably, Jingqi Zhu, the inaugural Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Fellow and a graduate of the Hart Institute class of 2023, will also play a key role in the season’s programming.

In a statement about the Institute’s growth, Ian Derrer, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of the Dallas Opera, remarked, “When the Hart Institute began 10 years ago, we knew it had the potential to create a significant impact. Now we see how this program has made a huge difference in the lives and careers of many talented conductors. We are so proud of our alumnae, and we look forward to this program continuing to make change in this field.”

The Hart Institute for Women Conductors has become a pivotal platform for nurturing the next generation of female conductors, addressing the historical gender imbalance in the field. Over the past decade, it has provided invaluable resources and support to its participants, solidifying its role within the operatic community.

As the Dallas Opera prepares to celebrate this milestone, the Showcase Concert serves not only as a reflection on the past but also as a commitment to the future of opera and its evolving landscape. With a strong foundation and a community of talented conductors, the Hart Institute looks poised to continue its influential work for years to come.