Cheryl Hickman
General & Artistic Director
About Us
Opera on the Avalon brings opera to the east coast of our country. As Atlantic Canada’s only professional opera company, we focus on creating work from diverse artists and communities that resonate with today’s audiences. OOTA is upending the idea of traditional opera with a commitment to commission new live and digital works, produce contemporary pieces, and reimagine opera for the 21st Century.
Opera on the Avalon was founded in 2009 as an answer to the complicated history of male dominance in our art form. As a women-led organization, OOTA believes in diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible art. We are a disruptor of tradition and have a fierce commitment to experiment, innovate, and take artistic risks. We are cultural instigators who are founded in an artist-centred approach. As we evolve, we will continue to focus on providing opportunities for Emerging Artists, showcasing dynamic artists in the field, and creating partnerships with the community around us.
Our Mandate
Opera on the Avalon (OOTA) creates, produces, and presents exceptional multidisciplinary art that redefines traditional performance boundaries, amplifies diverse voices, and celebrates Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique cultural identity. We inspire and engage audiences locally, nationally, and internationally through bold storytelling, collaboration, and innovation.
OUR MISSION
OOTA is committed to embracing innovation and developing opera for the 21st century by Delivering outstanding productions of new repertoire that engage our public and propel our genre forward; Identifying extraordinary artists from diverse communities, both established and emerging, and providing opportunities for them to create their most imaginative and inspired work; Presenting innovative programming relevant to the multicultural country of Canada that broadens and diversifies the opera audience.
OUR VISION
Opera on the Avalon envisions a community that reflects diverse art-making, where all feel welcome and empowered to participate.
OUR VALUES
We believe in the power of the arts and a full creative life for everyone. We believe that art is fundamental to flourishing, inclusive societies. We commit to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, and equitable landscape.
Our Team
Judith Yan
Music Director & Resident Conductor
KEITH ROBERTS
RESIDENT COSTUME DESIGNER
Deborah Jarrell
Executive Assistant & Project Coordinator
Christopher Payne
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Michaela Chiste
Emerging Artist Program Coordinator
Caroline Kennedy
Cultural Content Lead
Maïka Hearson
Video Editor
Madame De Pompadour
VP of Wags & Well-Being
Board of Directors
Maria French
Chair
Halina Avery
Vice-Chair
Kevin Woodbury
Anna Cook
Dr. Doug Angel
Judy Dobbin
Matthew Flynn
Cheryl Hickman
General & Artistic Director
