AUSTIN, Texas — It’s said that opera is a kind of magic: a treat for the ears and the eyes. It’s storytelling told through song and action, often staged in new and exciting ways, like Austin Opera’s recent production of Rossini’s classic, “The Barber of Seville,” which drew large audiences.
Although most performances of Austin Opera are held at the city’s Long Center for the Performing Arts, the musical organization has outgrown the space it needs for rehearsals and conducting its business.
The good news: A larger space is on the way. Austin Opera announced on Tuesday its plans for a new headquarters located on Trade Center Drive.
When completed, the building will feature a new 200-seat theater and four rehearsal spaces. Its facility will be available for other arts organizations in the city to use.
“There’s such a critical need in the Austin cultural community for performance venues and rehearsal venues,” Annie Burridge, general director and CEO of Austin Opera, said. “We’re so glad that we will now be able to offer that to our colleagues in Austin.”
So far, Austin Opera has secured about half of its $ 7.5 million campaign and is calling on donors to help reach its goal. It hopes to open its new home to the public in fall 2025. That’s likely music to the ears of Austin Opera’s fans, and for all those in town who are yet to discover the magic and power of opera.
“There’s really nothing else quite like it,” Burridge said.