About Austin Opera

Under the visionary leadership of General Director & CEO Annie Burridge and Music Director Timothy Myers, Austin Opera has become one of the most innovative and community-centered performing arts organizations in Central Texas. Since its founding in 1986, the company has evolved into a vibrant cultural force, inspiring more than 30,000 people each year through world-class performances, transformative educational programs, and meaningful community engagement.

Each season, Austin Opera brings extraordinary stories to life through a dynamic lineup of productions presented at the iconic Long Center for the Performing Arts and the new Butler Performance Center. Featuring internationally acclaimed artists alongside exceptional local talent from the Austin Opera Orchestra and Chorus, our productions offer fresh perspectives on beloved classics while championing bold contemporary works that demonstrate opera’s power to reflect and shape the world around us.

Austin Opera’s commitment to audience engagement extends far beyond the stage. Signature programs, including Conductor Cues, Opera Overtures, Coffee and Conversations, and Masterclasses with the Artists, invite audiences behind the scenes, creating memorable opportunities to connect with artists, explore the creative process, and deepen appreciation for the art form.

At the heart of Austin Opera’s mission is a commitment to cultural connection and storytelling that reflects the diverse communities we serve. Through initiatives such as Concerts at the Consulate, produced in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, the company has created meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and celebration. The Butler Fund for Spanish Programming guarantees at least one Spanish-language production each season, while the Curator of Hispanic and Latinx Programming and the Residency for Latinx Creatives support the development of the next generation of artistic voices. Continuing this momentum, Austin Opera has commissioned Ofrenda, a new bilingual opera that will receive its world premiere in October 2026 at Austin’s newest cultural destination, the Butler Performance Center.

Education remains a cornerstone of Austin Opera’s impact. Since 1991, the company has introduced more than 200,000 students to the transformative power of the arts through innovative school partnerships and curriculum-based programming. By aligning educational offerings with Texas education standards and bringing live performances directly to students, Austin Opera helps spark creativity, build confidence, and expand access to arts experiences for young people across Central Texas.

The opening of the Butler Performance Center marks a bold new chapter for Austin Opera and the cultural life of the region. Located in Southeast Austin, the Center is designed as a welcoming home for creativity, collaboration, and community. In addition to serving as Austin Opera’s headquarters, the facility will provide affordable rehearsal, performance, and gathering spaces for local artists and organizations while expanding access to arts experiences for thousands of residents. Opening in October 2026 with a weekend-long community celebration, the Butler Performance Center will feature a 190-seat theater, flexible rehearsal studios, and event spaces that will foster artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and community connection for generations to come.

Today, Austin Opera is not only producing exceptional opera—it is building a cultural ecosystem where artists, audiences, students, and communities can come together to experience the power of live performance and shared storytelling.