The opera of tomorrow must be versatile— it must respond to modern modes of engagement, timely social issues and new technologies.

The Dartmouth Opera Lab is an interdisciplinary incubator that offers creative performance opportunities with a focus on vocal instruction, dramatic interpretation and musical development.

Open to Dartmouth students of any level or background, the lab launched in 2018 by the Hop and the Department of Music. It aims to bring opera to younger generations by providing an intimate, accessible version of the art form. Collaborations made possible by the Opera Lab integrate both the larger Dartmouth community in the Upper Valley as well as professional performers with students. It is a space for the creation of inventive new works that expand our notion of opera. 

Since its inception, the lab has hosted a diversity of guest artists, from internationally-renowned opera stars like Daniel Belcher, Amy Owens and Nicole Heaston; to up-and-coming artists such as Ana Mora of the New England Conservatory. 

The Dartmouth Opera Lab shares work with the public in the form of master classes, open workshops and performances in eclectic locations: from digital spaces to the fireplace in the Top of the Hop.
 

Contacts

Maestro Filippo Ciabatti
Music Director of the DOL; Director, Music Director of the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra, The Handel Society and the Dartmouth Glee Club

Erma Mellinger
Director of Vocal Studies of the DOL;
Senior Lecturer in Voice, Dartmouth Department of Music

Peter M. Webster
Director of Text and Dramatic Studies of the DOL;
Lecturer in Dramatics in Opera, Dartmouth Department of Music
peter.m.webster@dartmouth.edu