Orchestrating a New Era: Kari Boldon Welch Leads Eugene Opera into the Spotlight
Kari Boldon Welch, a seasoned theater and arts administrator, has taken the helm of Eugene Opera, a nonprofit organization that has weathered its fair share of financial challenges. As the new executive director, Welch is poised to steer the company towards a full season of productions, reconnecting the community with the captivating world of opera.
Unlocking the Enchantment of Opera for All
Embracing a New Challenge
Kari Boldon Welch may be a newcomer to the realm of opera, but her extensive experience in theater and arts management has equipped her with the necessary skills to lead Eugene Opera into a new era. As the former development and communications coordinator at Lane Arts Council, Welch brings a wealth of expertise in navigating the complexities of nonprofit organizations. "I don't know a ton about opera," she admits, "but I do know about theater, production, and management." This unique blend of knowledge and passion positions Welch to tackle the multifaceted responsibilities of her new role.
Reviving the Operatic Tradition
One of Welch's primary goals is to restore Eugene Opera to a full season of four productions, including the company's long-standing New Year's Eve performances. This ambitious plan aims to rekindle the community's connection with the art form, which has faced challenges in recent years. "That's going to be the challenge for Eugene Opera and me in the next five years," Welch acknowledges, recognizing the importance of rebuilding the opera's presence and appeal.
Overcoming the Pandemic's Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on the performing arts, and Eugene Opera was no exception. In March 2020, the company had just completed its final dress rehearsal for Puccini's Tosca when the governor's order to limit public gatherings forced the cancellation of the production. This setback was mirrored across the city, as Welch herself had to cancel the final dress rehearsal of Little Women, the Musical at the Very Little Theatre.
Navigating Financial Challenges
Despite the pandemic's disruptions, Welch reports that Eugene Opera is currently in a stable financial position. "Ticket sales were not terrible over the past year," she says, "but finances could be better." The company's limited season during the pandemic has allowed it to maintain a level of financial security, but Welch recognizes the need to build upon this foundation and expand the opera's offerings to secure its long-term viability.
Embracing the Accessibility of Opera
One of Welch's key priorities is to challenge the perception of opera as an elitist art form, accessible only to a small, educated audience. "You actually know opera better than you think you do," she asserts, citing the ubiquity of recognizable operatic themes in popular culture, from cartoons to commercials. By highlighting the deep roots of opera in our collective cultural consciousness, Welch aims to demystify the art form and make it more approachable for the broader community.
Leveraging Artistic Acclaim
Despite the financial challenges, Eugene Opera has earned critical acclaim for its productions, particularly its 2012 staging of John Adams' Nixon in China. This ambitious undertaking, which featured nationally renowned singers and professional dancers from the Eugene Ballet, was praised by Opera News magazine and local critics for its "artistic maturity." While the production's high costs contributed to the departure of the previous artistic director, Welch sees this as an opportunity to build on the company's artistic reputation and attract new audiences.As Kari Boldon Welch embarks on her journey as the new executive director of Eugene Opera, she is poised to revitalize the company's presence in the community and rekindle the public's passion for the captivating world of opera. With her diverse experience, strategic vision, and a commitment to accessibility, Welch is set to orchestrate a new era of success for this beloved cultural institution.
