Education & Community
Opera On Tour
Headed across Middle Tennessee
- February 9 – March 26, 2027
Opera comes directly to the classroom. Designed for elementary schools, Opera On Tour introduces students to the art form through engaging, live performances that are both educational and entertaining.
Each participating school receives a study guide and accessibility toolkit to prepare students, with the option to add a post-performance Q&A with the artists.
Details
- Elementary schools
- Free for all schools (priority given to Title I schools)
- Aligned with Tennessee curriculum standards across arts, literacy, and core subjects
Opera On Wheels
Touring performances across Nashville
Nashville Opera’s mobile stage brings live performances directly into local communities. Featuring family-friendly programs of opera, operetta, and musical theatre favorites, Opera On Wheels makes high-quality performances accessible in parks, public spaces, and neighborhoods across the city.
Free and open to the public, these performances invite audiences of all ages to experience opera in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
When Marian Sang
A Celebration of the Life of Marian Anderson
Inspired by the acclaimed book by Pam Muñoz Ryan, this program tells the story of Marian Anderson, the first Black opera singer to perform a principal role at the Metropolitan Opera.
Through narration and live performance, audiences experience spirituals and historic music that shaped Anderson’s legacy, including selections from her iconic 1939 Lincoln Memorial performance.
Performed by some of Nashville’s leading Black classical artists, this program brings history, storytelling, and music together in a powerful and accessible way.
The Mary Ragland Emerging Artists
Developing the next generation of opera talent
Founded in 1996 and named for Nashville Opera’s founder, this highly competitive residency program supports rising opera singers at a pivotal moment in their careers.
Each season, five Emerging Artists perform roles in mainstage productions, tour across Middle Tennessee, and participate in intensive coaching, masterclasses, and workshops. These artists are also featured throughout the season at special events and performances.
This program remains a cornerstone of Nashville Opera’s commitment to artistic excellence and the future of the art form.
All-Access Opera
Expanding what opera can be and who it’s for
There are enough barriers to opera. Autism shouldn’t be one of them.
All-Access Opera is a research-backed initiative designed to make opera accessible for students with autism and other learning differences. Developed in collaboration with Vanderbilt University and supported by national innovation funding, the program provides educators with practical tools to create more inclusive, sensory-aware experiences.
From storyboards and social guides to classroom resources and performance adaptations, the toolkit helps students engage with opera in ways that build understanding, reduce anxiety, and increase participation.
Impact highlights
92% of educators report a more positive and engaging experience for students
87% say it increases their likelihood of bringing students to a performance
For Teachers & Educators
Resources to support learning before, during, and after the performance.
Audio Tracks
New program coming soon
Study Guides
Coming soon
Additional classroom resources and materials will be available to help prepare students and extend the learning experience.