Opera Conference - Opera Conference 2026

Day Passes are now available!

We are delighted to welcome composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz to Opera Conference 2026 for a conversation with genre-bending composer Jeanine Tesori. They'll explore Schwartz's creative process, approach to storytelling, and insights into the intersection of opera and musical theater.

Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit Wicked, and has also contributed music and lyrics to Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker’s Wife, Working, Children of Eden, and The Queen of Versailles, among other shows. In the classical field, he collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein’s Mass, and his opera, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, was produced by Opera Santa Barbara, New York City Opera, and recently by Lone Star Lyric in Houston. He has also written several choral works which have been widely performed by choruses across the country. For film, he wrote lyrics to Alan Menken's music for Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Enchanted, and wrote the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt, as well as co-scoring with John Powell the two Wicked movies. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a special Tony Award for his support of young artists.

Hear provocations and debate in Plenary Sessions with leaders from inside and outside the opera field:
- Plenary 1: Keep Them Coming Back
  What opera producers can do to transform audience expectations and improve retention.
- Plenary 2: Designing the Future
  Can new tools, partnerships, and practices increase capacity and reduce costs in opera production?
- Plenary 3: Advocate Like a Pro
  How effective advocacy strategies can sustain and grow support for the art form.
Engage in thoughtful discussions, identify strategic priorities, and investigate solutions to challenges in Working Groups and Roundtable Discussions.

Introduce yourself to OPERA America’s new president/CEO, Michael J. Bobbitt
Explore opportunities for collaboration in a Co-Production Assembly and New Works Pitch Session.
Learn about specific strategies for success in Breakout Sessions, Spotlight Sessions, and Member Presentations.
Expand your professional network to advance your career. Social activities will connect you with friends and introduce you to new colleagues.
Enjoy a production of Andrea Chénier, from our host company, OperaDelaware. Plus additional performances from opera companies, including Opera Delaware, Opera Philadelphia and Wilmington Concert Opera.

The Hotel Du Pont will be our home base for Opera Conference 2026. A historic landmark in downtown Wilmington, the hotel blends a rich tradition with a contemporary sensibility. Conference sessions and activities will primarily take place in this iconic venue.

Opened in 1913, the Hotel Du Pont — or "The Hotel," as locals call it — is dedicated to providing timeless luxury with a modern and sophisticated touch. Nestled in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, at the heart of the picturesque Brandywine Valley, this 12-story Italian Renaissance Revival landmark was recognized as the #1 hotel in Delaware by U.S. News & World Report and Condé Nast Traveler. Registrants are encouraged to book at The Hotel Du Pont for easy access to conference activities. Alternate accommodations are also available.

OPERA America believes in strengthening community through meaningful civic action — not just in words, but in practice. As Wilmington opens its doors to us for Opera Conference 2026, we’re giving back.

We will make donations to three local organizations whose missions resonate with the values of our affinity networks: LGBTQIA+ Opera Network, Racial Justice Opera Network, and Women’s Opera Network. During the conference, you’ll meet these organizations and see firsthand how opera’s values align with work that drives equity and change.

Opera serves communities. This year in Wilmington, we’re continuing our commitment to putting those values into action.

Promoting and preserving the authentic history of the Underground Railroad in Delaware.

Since 2002, the Coalition has been preparing research aids and bringing documented stories to the public that strive to tell the full history of those who claimed their freedom within and through the state, the helpers, the kidnappers, and the places of legal challenge. We invite you to explore the stories here and to visit the places where they happened. We also invite you along on the research journey to bring more stories to life.

Through collective philanthropy, the Fund for Women invests and advocates to empower women and girls in Delaware to achieve their potential by bringing together our knowledge and passion.

Founded in 1993 by 16 visionary women philanthropists, the Fund for Women was created to support women and girls in poverty in Delaware. The group’s initial goal was for 1,000 women to contribute $1,000 each to establish a $1 million endowment. The fund has far surpassed its original goal, with an endowment exceeding $5 million and more than 2,275 “founders.” To date, the foundation has distributed over $3.4 million in grants supporting women and girls.

We invite businesses, civic institutions, arts organizations, universities, and foundations to join as partners in presenting the annual conference. By sponsoring conference activities or hosting a table in the communal Exhibit Hall, you can enhance your experience with:

Access: Take advantage of networking opportunities with over 700 opera professionals and decision-makers.
Promotion: Receive customized recognition packages to showcase your brand and connect with attendees.
Appreciation: Earn admiration from the field by contributing to the sector’s most valuable annual convening.

To learn about becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at the Opera Conference, download the Sponsorship Prospectus and contact Jenny Fornoff at JFornoff@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5258.

To learn about advertising at the Opera Conference, download the Exhibition Catalog Prospectus and contact Alasdair Payten at APayten@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5238.