Opera-Lytes
Staging Gilbert & Sullivan and light opera in Western New York since 1994.
This season's productions are Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore (October 18-27, 2024), a concert of light opera and Broadway favorites (February 28, 2025), and Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow (June 6-8, 2025), including a champagne gala performance with special guest stars on June 7, 2025.
Our Upcoming Performances page has more information.
Visit our History Page for a series of illustrated articles reminiscing about the company's past!
WNED-Classical's Marty Wimmer interviews Lisa Berglund (stage director) and Ted Smeltz (Sir Joseph Porter) about our October 2024 production of HMS Pinafore!
Opera-Lytes was founded in 1994 with the mission of staging the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. The company brings light opera, operetta, and classic musical theater to audiences in Western New York through stage performances, concerts, recordings, and educational programs. We present one or two fully-staged light operas and a concert each year.
Opera-Lytes holds auditions for principal roles in our staged productions; participation in our chorus is open to all singers aged 16 and older. Younger children may be included in some shows.
The Pirates of Penzance, or the Slave of Duty (2013)
Man with a Load of Mischief (2022)
Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride (2016)
Our Mission, Vision and Values
MISSION
Opera-Lytes was founded in 1994 with the mission of staging the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. The company brings light opera, operetta, and classic musical theater to audiences in Western New York through stage performances, concerts, recordings, and educational programs.
VISION
Opera-Lytes will be a cultural and educational leader in Western New York by preserving the art of operetta and musical theater.
VALUES
Musical Storytelling: We celebrate the universal language of music, the power of the human voice raised in song, and the particular charm, energy, humor, and passion embodied in operetta.
Nourishing Artists: We provide opportunities for both amateur and professional artists to develop and showcase their talents in operetta, a form otherwise under-served in our performance community.
Legacy Building: We work to ensure that the operatic forms and traditions we cherish are enjoyed and nurtured by future generations.
Innovation: We are grounded in artistic tradition while valuing originality in interpretation and practice.
Collaboration: We share intellectual and creative agency with community stakeholders and partners.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: In our operations and governance, we are committed to a welcoming and respectful environment free of bigotry, discrimination, and barriers to participation.
Stewardship: We treat our financial resources, our artistic heritage, and our community relationships responsibly and with respect.
