Opera-Lytes

Staging Gilbert & Sullivan and light opera in Western New York since 1994.

Our popular winter concert of favorite songs from Gilbert and Sullivan, operetta, and Broadway, 

conducted by Nicholas Mark Czaplicki, 

will be presented at 

Amherst Community Church on Friday, February 26, 2027.

And Gilbert and Sullivan's "Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride" is our spring offering, on April 16, 18, 23 and 25 at Amherst Community Church. 

Our Mission, Vision and Values

MISSION

To enhance theater arts with irresistible song and witty satire, Opera-Lytes was founded in 1994 with the mission of presenting the works of Gilbert and Sullivan to the communities of Western NY. The company shares the brilliance and charm of light opera, operetta, and classic musical theater with regional audiences 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.