Cedar Rapids Opera

08/31/2026

Brucemorchestra 2026 is in the books! Well... most of it anyway. Yeah, there ended up being a little weather that cut into the second half, but it was a lovely evening nonetheless.

We got to hear 2 of our 3 singers. Margaret Gawrysiak and Tad Ennen both moved the audience. Pictures to follow tomorrow. We will have to wait a bit longer into the season to hear Jessica Pray Patel, but fear not! Jessica will be performing Johanna alongside Margaret as Mrs. Lovett in this January's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

You can support Cedar Rapids Opera as well as Orchestra Iowa both when you purchase your tickets to Sweeney Todd today! https://orchestraiowa.org/event/cedar-rapids-opera-presents-sweeney-todd-friday/

Thank you to everyone who came out to Brucemorchesta and supported the opera and orchestra. If you can't wait until January to get your next opera fix, mark your calendar for October 1st. Curtains Up for Season 29 will be happening at Cedar Ridge. Tickets and more information for that event are available at https://www.cropera.org/curtains-up-season-29

More to come on Brucemorchestra wrap up in tomorrow's weekly newsletter and more photos to post as well. See you then!

08/25/2026

Podcast Episode 6 - Tim Hankewich: One Take

Little longer format this time around. What do you think? It's a slow burn at the start, but your patience will be rewarded as Tim goes into the very interesting history of Orchestra Iowa's biggest gamble, the future of opera and symphonic orchestra, insights into Brucemorchestra's behind the scenes, and more.

We hope you enjoy this episode, and if you did we know you'll enjoy Brucemorchestra 2026. Tickets are on sale now at https://orchestraiowa.org/event/brucemorchestra-2026/

08/19/2026

Minipodcast Episode 5 continues our conversation with Tim Hankewich of Orchestra Iowa as we look at some of the songs on the set list at Brucemorchestra. Don't forget to grab your tickets at https://orchestraiowa.org/event/brucemorchestra-2026/

08/18/2026

Minipodcast Episode 4 with VERY special guest Tim Hankewich of Orchestra Iowa! We have a couple more videos with him in the pipeline to look forward to coming this week.

08/18/2026

We’re hiring! 📣🎶

Cedar Rapids Opera is looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented Company & Education Manager to help keep our artists, productions, education programs, and events running smoothly.

If you love creating order from complexity and making great things happen behind the scenes, this could be the role for you!
Apply Today! >> https://shorturl.at/qcmFH

08/15/2026

Minipodcast Episode 3 - Meet the Artists for Brucemorchestra 2026

Tad and Will talk about the three professional opera singers who will be performing at Brucemorchestra this year. Learn a bit more about them and the chorus who will make this Brucemorchestra the best one yet. Thanks to Orchestra Iowa and Brucemore for putting on this event!

08/14/2026

Minipodcast Episode 2 - Brucemorchestra

A quick introduction to Brucemorchestra. This incredible event brings together three arts and culture non-profit organizations to deliver a quintessential Cedar Rapids experience. Brucemore and Orchestra Iowa have brought Cedar Rapids Opera aboard for the first show. More videos will explore the details of the show, but you won't want to miss this one for anything. Get your tickets today at the Orchestra Iowa box office!

08/13/2026

New minisized podcast about opera! What would you like us to talk about? What questions do you have? We'll be answering your questions and many more together in the coming episodes.

Episode 1 is a chance to meet Will Oelschlaeger, our new Advancement and Marketing Manager and discover how he got into opera.

07/15/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved honor for Professor Scott Olinger!
For many years, Scott has been an invaluable creative collaborator with Cedar Rapids Opera, bringing countless productions to life through his exceptional lighting, scenic design, and artistic vision. His talent, dedication, and generosity have helped shape so many memorable performances, and we are grateful to have worked alongside him.
Congratulations, Scott, on this accolade! This recognition is a fitting tribute to your extraordinary contributions in the classroom, on the stage, and throughout the arts community. Bravo! 👏👏👏

Congratulations to Professor Scott Olinger on being named the Richard and Norma Small Distinguished Professor for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years! This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding teaching, scholarship, service, and leadership at Cornell College.

Read more about this well-deserved recognition: https://ow.ly/KA7F50ZmtaY

07/01/2026

We couldn't agree more with Whoopi Goldberg—opera is an experience unlike any other.

It's thrilling. It's emotional. It's unforgettable.

Join Cedar Rapids Opera this season—and see what everyone is talking about. >>https://www.cropera.org/season-29