Barbara Lynne Jamison has officially taken the helm as the Ellie Caulkins general director and CEO of Opera Colorado, beginning her tenure on August 1.
With extensive experience in the arts, including seven years as the General Director and CEO for Kentucky Opera, Jamison is now focused on shaping the future of Opera Colorado.
In a recent interview with CPR News, Jamison discussed her background, mission, and vision for the opera company.
Reflecting on her early influences, Jamison shared that she grew up in a musical household, where family sing-alongs were commonplace.
Music was a significant part of her upbringing, but she initially did not see it as a career path.
She valued the arts education provided in schools, which opened up possibilities for her and others.
Through music lessons and choir participation, Jamison was able to secure a scholarship that allowed her to attend college.
Interestingly, she had not seen her first opera until she was part of one.
Her initial engagement with opera came from her passion for music and the communal experience of creating art.
This foundational love for artistic expression continues to inform her work in the industry today.
Jamison’s journey included performing and teaching music before transitioning into arts leadership.
Her background as a performer paved the way for her successful performance career, but an accident halted her singing.
This turning point led her to pursue a degree in music education, where she developed a better understanding of arts education policy.
Despite her interest in academia, she found her calling in administrative roles.
Describing her vision for Opera Colorado, she emphasized the importance of education as part of the company’s mission.
Operating as a 501(c)(3) organization, she highlighted that education is a central component of their work.
Jamison believes that education can take various forms, including experiential opportunities that allow community members to engage with art.
She aims to expand and enhance educational programming, evaluating the success of current initiatives and seeking funding to support these efforts.
Financial sustainability poses a significant challenge for Opera Colorado, especially following a difficult few years marked by financial hardship.
With a decline in NEA funding and the expiration of pandemic support, Jamison remains optimistic about the path forward.
She emphasized the importance of staying true to the company’s mission: serving the community through education and artistic production.
Focusing on community engagement is essential for fostering support, and Jamison is committed to maintaining robust educational programs.
Acknowledging the industry’s widespread issue with low pay, she advocates for fair compensation, recognition of artists, and respect for their work-life balance.
Opera Colorado’s recent unionization reflects a growing trend among artists advocating for better workplace protections and pay.
Jamison recognizes the importance of ensuring that all artists feel valued and respected in their roles, which contributes to creating richer artistic experiences.
In the realm of audience engagement, Jamison explored the challenge of attracting a younger demographic to opera.
This season’s productions, including ‘La Traviata’ and ‘Madama Butterfly,’ were programmed prior to her arrival, which is typical for new leadership in the arts.
She noted that while classic operas have their place, it is crucial to reinterpret them through modern perspectives to keep the art form alive and relevant.
Efforts to balance old and new operas are continual, with an emphasis on giving traditional roles, especially for women, a contemporary interpretation that highlights agency.
In conclusion, Jamison expressed her hope that Opera Colorado can serve as a welcoming space for everyone to discover their connection to the art form.
Her aspiration is to create productions that resonate with a diverse audience, ultimately inviting them to experience opera together at the Ellie Caulkins theater.
As the organization moves forward under her leadership, Jamison is determined to champion education, community engagement, and the future of opera in Denver.
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