Artist in Residence Collaborative Pianist

Company: Opera Colorado

Company Location: Englewood, CO

Job Location: On Site/In Person

Job Type: Temporary & Seasonal

Date Posted: June 11, 2025

Network(s): Education & Community Engagement; Performer Development

DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Opera Colorado began out of a desire to establish a major production company that would deliver major operatic productions to our local audiences. Its first season in 1983 featured a roster of internationally acclaimed performers, including James McCracken and Plácido Domingo. Today, over forty years later, the company continues to attract the highest level of talent for its grand opera performances. Opera Colorado is a resident company at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) in downtown Denver, with its headquarters located in Englewood, CO. The company features its own local professional orchestra and chorus, and employs over 300 people during its production season, which spans September through May, and serves over 45,000 patrons annually through performances and programs. With an annual operating budget of approximately $7M, Opera Colorado is committed to telling stories that excite and connect our community in meaningful ways.

WHO WE ARE

We believe that opera plays a vital role in enriching our community. Opera Colorado’s staff is a dynamic team of creative individuals who are passionate about serving our community through the power of the arts. We create great art, foster trust, and support growth. Adventure, curiosity, creativity, and transparency fuel our team to be excellent in all we do. We are committed to creating opportunities to connect and enrich our Colorado community through the powerful storytelling medium of opera, and we are committed to removing barriers to make opera accessible and welcoming to all.

OUR VISION AND VALUES

To advance our mission and vision, the Opera Colorado staff identified a set of core values that aim to inform our organizational culture and decision-making.

• We strive to create an Inclusive environment—providing equal access to all opportunities within the company and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe.

• We foster Creativity in every aspect of our work—from the originality of our productions, programs, and experiences, to the way we innovate and solve problems.

• We are Tenacious in forging new paths and overcoming challenges—we don’t give up when the going gets tough!

• We are Passionate about opera, our patrons, and our colleagues—we celebrate our dedication to creating the most compelling opera experiences for the widest audiences.

• We approach our daily work with a high level of Integrity—focusing on respectful, professional, and transparent actions, treating others as we would hope to be treated, and creating a trusting work environment.

• We know Humor fosters camaraderie and friendship—allowing us to maintain a lighthearted perspective and helping us view stressful events as opportunities.

• We exist to serve our Community, and we also work collaboratively as a community of professionals—respecting our individual and collective talents and opinions, while building strong bonds between the company and our patrons.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Artist in Residence Collaborative Pianist serves in a key leadership role within Opera Colorado’s Artist in Residence Program. This position is responsible for accompanying the Resident Artists in all touring productions, community performances, and special events. In addition to performance duties, the Collaborative Pianist will provide musical coaching to the Artists in Residence, supporting their preparation for mainstage roles and other repertoire throughout the season.

They may also serve as a member of Opera Colorado’s Music Staff, contributing to mainstage productions in various capacities as determined by the Artistic Team. The role includes participation in professional development opportunities offered throughout the season and represents the company publicly, serving as an ambassador for Opera Colorado in both artistic and community settings.

DETAILS

Program Dates: September 2, 2025 – May 31, 2026

Paid Break: November 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026

Housing: Provided by Opera Colorado

Transportation: Access to a personal vehicle is required while on contract

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Reports to the Director of the Artist in Residence Program.

·         Serves in a leadership role, working closely with the Artists in Residence.

·         Collaborates with Resident Artists in the preparation and performance of touring productions.

·         Provides vocal and musical coaching to Resident Artists for both touring and mainstage roles.

·         Coaches additional repertoire for community events and special performances as assigned.

·         Transports a keyboard to performance venues when required.

·         May serve as a cover répétiteur and provide other musical support for mainstage productions.

·         May perform in the orchestra pit for mainstage productions, depending on orchestration needs.

·         Performs at community events and special engagements as assigned.

·         Participates in ongoing training, lessons, and coachings offered by Opera Colorado.

·         Builds and maintains positive relationships with donors, patrons, and guests, serving as a visible ambassador for Opera Colorado.

THIS POSITION IS A GOOD FIT FOR SOMEONE WHO IS…

·         Passionate and dedicated, with a strong belief in Opera Colorado’s mission and values.

·         Creative, innovative, and unafraid to take risks.

·         A confident, competent team player who can motivate and inspire people from diverse backgrounds.

·         An attentive listener who values input from multiple perspectives.

·         Highly organized and dependable, able to juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

·         Emotionally mature, with a positive attitude and sense of humor.

QUALIFICATIONS

·         Master’s Degree (or Performance Certificate) in the area of collaborative piano or piano performance.

·         Considerable experience playing for operatic repertoire, production rehearsals, and coaching roles in opera at the graduate and/or young artist level.

·         Admission to this program is based upon a competitive audition process and is open to early-career individuals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work many nights and weekends. This position requires a great deal of local travel not accessible by public transportation, requiring use of a personal vehicle. Additionally, this position requires the ability to lift 40 lbs. or more on an occasional basis–with or without assistance.

ABOUT DENVER, CO

Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers an exceptional quality of life with a vibrant mix of urban culture and outdoor adventure. Known for its active lifestyle, diverse community, and thriving economy, the city features over 200 parks, a dynamic arts and culinary scene, and easy access to world-class skiing and hiking. With a strong job market, welcoming neighborhoods, and a spirit of innovation, Denver is an ideal place to grow both personally and professionally.

Desired Start Date: September 2, 2025

BENEFITS

Pay Range: $18 - $18 Hourly