Long Beach Opera\u2019s new executive director and CEO considers herself an opera ambassador, and coming from a two-decade operatic career as a soloist, she strongly believes in the power of musical storytelling.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut when several of my beloved opera companies faced bankruptcy, I decided that I desperately wanted to find ways to bring the power and beauty of opera to as many people as possible, which I decided would be best achieved by working on the other side of the curtain,\u201d stated new CEO Jennifer Rivera in LBO\u2019s recent announcement of the position.<\/p>\n
Before joining LBO early last year as director of development, Rivera sang as a mezzo-soprano specializing in baroque and contemporary repertoire and has taken on leading roles internationally. She\u2019s been nominated for two Grammy awards, was named Debut Artist of the Year by New York City Opera and won the Helpmann Award (considered Australia\u2019s Tony Award) in 2015, according to the release.<\/p>\n
However, during the latter part of her profession as a vocalist, Rivera\u2019s awareness of the growing challenges facing the opera industry spurred her to pursue work off stage. Her previous attraction to performing unusual works drew her to an administrative position at the progressive LBO.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/longbeachopera\/photos\/a.135039830143\/10161510214630144\/?type=3&theater<\/p>\n
\u201cI was drawn to Long Beach Opera because I knew that LBO was known as an innovator within the opera world, and that Andreas Mitisek had continually found new ways to make opera exciting, relevant and accessible without compromising artistic quality,\u201d Rivera stated.<\/p>\n
During her time as director of development, Rivera has raised over $100,000 in grants, put into motion a $1.5 million, three-year campaign that in six months is already a third of the way toward reaching its goal and started the \u201cCommunity Conversation Initiative,\u201d a series of free programs bringing speakers and performers to Long Beach to discuss the theme of the opera\u2019s 40th anniversary season: justice.<\/p>\n
And now, as LBO\u2019s recently announced CEO, Rivera is proud to continue her work with the performing arts company, working alongside its longtime artistic director Andreas Mitisek to guide LBO into its next era of growth, she stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have found the most amazing and delightful home in Long Beach, and am eager to continue to contribute to the vibrant, growing arts scene in Long Beach and throughout Southern California,\u201d Rivera stated.<\/p>\n