Lowell House Opera

Established in 1938, the Lowell House Opera is the longest continually performing opera company in New England, featuring students, professionals, and community members from both Harvard and the greater Boston area. Each year, the Lowell House Dining Hall is home to a fully-staged opera production with costumes, set, and lighting, accompanied by a full orchestra comprised entirely of volunteer musicians. The hall functions as an intimate performance venue with superb acoustics, enabling audience members to experience professional-quality opera up close.

Lowell House Opera offers educational opportunities on many levels and is dedicated to developing skills and providing professional experience for young artists. Singers learn and perform their roles in the original language and explore the literary basis and historical context for the work. Experienced directors and production staff lead workshops and other opportunities, such as a week of master classes and performances in St. Petersburg, Russia in May 2014 with the Educational Bridge Project. For undergraduates in particular, the opera offers a unique opportunity to work with more experienced artists who have devoted their professional lives to opera, music, and theater.