Welcome to OPERA/SOUTH, where we are committed to reshaping and elevating the cultural aesthetics of opera. Our historic organization, founded in 1971, is housed on the campus of Jackson State University, an HBCU located in Jackson, Mississippi. We are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and diverse opera scene by including underserved areas and communities, training young artists, and highlighting operas with culturally responsive themes and those by Afro-Diasporic and Latinx composers. At OPERA/SOUTH, we believe that opera should be accessible to everyone and that it has the power to bring people together.

What We Offer

• Performance of opera productions featuring diverse and culturally relevant themes and compositions by Afro-Diasporic and Latinx composers
• Outreach and community engagement programs to underserved areas, including free performances and educational workshops
• Training and mentorship opportunities for young and emerging opera artists from diverse backgrounds
• Development of new opera audiences through targeted marketing and outreach strategies
• Commissioning of new works by emerging composers, with a focus on promoting diverse voices and perspectives
• Commissioning of new works by emerging composers, with a focus on promoting diverse voices and perspectives
• Collaboration with local and state arts organizations