Artist Resources
OPERA America brings you closer to the people you need to know, including managers, arts administrators and fellow artists at Making Connections — professional development and networking events in New York City. Attend informative panel discussions, master classes and artist spotlights with influential professionals in the field, followed by receptions where you can enjoy refreshments and conversation with your colleagues.

Making Connections take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and are convenient after-work or pre-performance activities. Each event is held in the OPERA America office, located less than one block from the 1 train and near Penn Station.

When: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a reception
Where: 330 Seventh Avenue, 16th floor (at 29th Street)
Fees: $5 for members/$10 for non-members (pre-registration)
         $10 for members/$15 for non-members (at the door)

Podcasts
For those OPERA America members who are unable to attend the live events or would like to revisit them, podcasts of past Making Connections season are available by clicking here.

A sample podcast of September 24, 2008’s Crossing from Theater Directing to Opera is available to preview. [listen to podcast]


Contact us with any questions: MakingConnections@operaamerica.org

2009-2010 Making Connections Schedule
Please select individual sessions by checking the boxes.

MARCH 10, 2010 Master Class with William Burden
Join us for a vocal master class with distinguished American tenor William Burden. Four singers drawn from the OPERA America membership will perform.

MARCH 24, 2010 Fundraising for Independent Artists
Speakers include:
  • Beryl B. Byles, executive coach
  • Dianne Debicella, program director, fiscal sponsorship, Fractured Atlas
  • Eve Gigliotti, mezzo-soprano
  • Anne Ricci, general managing diva, Opera on Tap

Many, if not most, independent artists will have to raise funds during their careers — to produce a piece, attend a training program or simply to continue study. Panelists at this session will discuss their experiences, tips and strategies for cultivating donor relationships and raising funds.

APRIL 28, 2010 An Evening with Martina Arroyo on Role Preparation
Learning a new operatic role is not as simple as opening a score and starting at page one. Many dramatic decisions and musical preparations must be made before one can even step into the first rehearsal. In this session, eminent soprano Martina Arroyo will discuss her methods of bringing a role to life onstage. Pre-registration required.

MAY 26, 2010 Building and Managing Your Network
Speakers include:
  • Charles Jarden, executive director, American Opera Projects
  • Laura Brooks Rice, Westminster Choir College and CoOPERAtive Program
  • Leah Wool, mezzo-soprano

To be successful, opera artists must accumulate a staggering amount of knowledge and skills. Those who attempt to meet so many demands alone, particularly given the transient lifestyle of an opera career, will quickly find themselves overwhelmed. This session will cover the need for advisors, identifying appropriate team players, communicating your goals to your supporters and managing this dynamic group through your own personal and professional growth.


This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Information subject to change.

Winter 2009 Magazine Issue
  • Letter from the President/CEO
  • New Works
  • NEA Opera Honors
  • Opera Conference 2010
  • Creative Connections with Opera.Ca
Contact Us
330 Seventh Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001
P 212-796-8620 • F 212-796-8631
Info@operaamerica.org • Directions
From Airport:
The easiest way to reach the OPERA America offices is to get a cab at the airport. Cost is $40-45
(not including tip).
  • JFK - Take the AirTrain ($5 - approx. 15 minutes) to the Jamaica Street Station and transfer to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). Take the LIRR to Penn Station ($12 - approx. 35 minutes). See Penn Station directions below.
  • LaGuardia - Take the M60 Bus to the Hoyt Ave/31st Street. Get on the or Train and take that to 42nd/Times Square Station. Follow the Times Square Station directions below.
  • Newark - Take the New Jersey Transit train to Penn Station ($15 - approx. 45 min). See the Penn Station Directions below.

From Penn Station/Madison Square Garden:
Leave the station through the 7th Avenue/33rd Street exit and walk south for four blocks. The building is on
the right hand side.

From Grand Central Station:
Take the Train to the 42nd/Times Square station and transfer to the Train.
Take the Train to the 28th Street stop and walk north on 7th Avenue.
The building is on the same block as the train stop.

From 42nd Street/Times Square:
Take the Train to the 28th Street stop and walk north on 7th Avenue.
The building is on the same block as the train stop.

For more detailed directions, most up-to-date pricing or to specify a different starting location, please visit the
MTA Web site.