MISSION

From the Municipal Band to the Mississippi River Festival, music is an integral part of Edwardsville’s DNA. Opera Edwardsville will build upon this rich history to bring world-class opera to our community.

We're using a European model to make Opera Edwardsville a unique musical experience in the St. Louis area. Seeing the impact of these model opera festivals both large and small on the communities in which they are rooted inspired the creation of our organization.

Through concerts, lectures, recitals, operas, masterclasses, and educational outreach programs, Opera Edwardsville will expose audiences to bold artistic ideas, powerful drama, fascinating history, global perspectives, and beautiful music - all through the shared experience of live opera.

Our mission is to develop an arts organization for the benefit of Edwardsville, Illinois and the St. Louis Metro-East community with the goals of providing musical excellence, educational outreach, community development, an artistic platform, and cultural enrichment.

Artistic Leadership

Chase Hopkins, Artistic Director, chasehenryhopkins.com

Christine Brewer, Artistic Advisor, christinebrewer.com

Board of Directors

Brian Pezza, President

Margaret Solon, Secretary

Robert LaRose, Treasurer

Chase Hopkins

Clayton Hopkins

Marian Smithson

Margaret Vaught

Suzanne L. Wagner

Steering Committee

Robert Biarkis

Kathryn Biarkis

Emily Morrison

SJ Morrison

Brian Pezza

Robert LaRose

Margaret Solon