AboutOpera Parallèle

OurMission

Opera Parallèle merges tradition with innovation to re-invent opera for our modern world. We are committed to the highest artistic standards in our productions. We foster an inclusive and creative environment that values curiosity and innovation. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We embrace communication, respect and are accountable for our actions.

We believe in the power of music, the importance of storytelling, and the ability of art to ignite awareness.

Opera is for everyone.

AboutOpera Parallèle

Opera Parallèle is a prominent contemporary opera company based in San Francisco, known for its innovative and boundary-pushing productions. Founded in 2007 as Ensemble Parallèle by conductor Nicole Paiement, the company has been a driving force in redefining the operatic experience for modern audiences. Collaboration is in Opera Parallèle’s DNA: the company was named for founder Nicole Paiement’s belief that working “in parallel”, or in partnership, with organizations and artists in our own communities is essential for the survival of opera as a living art form.

Opera Parallèle is deeply committed to presenting works that explore relevant social and cultural themes. Its productions often challenge traditional operatic norms by incorporating multimedia elements, technology, and unconventional staging. By blending classical opera with contemporary ideas, the company has garnered a reputation for pushing artistic boundaries and fostering creativity within opera.

Throughout its history, Opera Parallèle has garnered critical acclaim for its thought-provoking and artistically rich performances. The company has been a champion of new and lesser-known works, shedding light on pieces that might not receive mainstream attention. This dedication to artistic exploration and collaboration has made Opera Parallèle a significant cultural contributor to the vibrant San Francisco arts scene.

As Opera Parallèle continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for both established and emerging artists to experiment with and present opera in fresh and engaging ways, solidifying its position as a dynamic and influential force in the world of contemporary opera.

…demonstrated yet again why this company, led by Artistic Director and Conductor Nicole Paiement along with Creative Director Brian Staufenbiel, has quickly become one of the Bay Area’s most indispensable artistic assets.

Joshua Kosman

San Francisco Chronicle

“…focused on developing and performing contemporary opera, designed to challenge the medium’s time-worn traditions. Opera Parallèle, is to be direct, cool.”

San Francisco Chronicle

“Opera Parallèle, a small company with huge ambition and exceptional daring […], continues to champion contemporary works, as it has throughout its history. Founder and Artistic Director Nicole Paiement and Creative Director Brian Staufenbiel are among the bravest people in the music world.”
SF Classical Voice

OurStaff

Nicole Paiement

Nicole Paiement

General & Artistic Director, and Conductor

Ruth Nott

Ruth Nott

Managing Director

Brian Staufenbiel

Brian Staufenbiel

Creative Director

Daniel Harvey

Daniel Harvey

Artistic Producer & Community Director, Assistant to the General & Artistic Director

Francis Aviani

Francis Aviani

Marketing Director

Phil Lowery

Phil Lowery

Production Director

Jacques Desjardins

Jacques Desjardins

Artistic Administrator

Brett Metzger

Brett Metzger

Finance Manager

Michael Mohammed

Michael Mohammed

Scholar in Residence

Muskan Parashar

Muskan Parashar

Development Associate

Jocelyn Shratter

Jocelyn Shratter

Marketing Associate

Jay Cruz

Jay Cruz

Marketing Assistant

Keisuke Nakagoshi

Keisuke Nakagoshi

Resident Pianist

Jaymes Kirksey

Jaymes Kirksey

Guest Conductor

Jon Finck

Jon Finck

Press Consultant

Bradley Kynard

Bradley Kynard

EDI Project Team Member

Tony Shayne

Tony Shayne

EDI Project Team Member

OurHonorary Board

Terence Blanchard

Terence Blanchard

Ruth A. Felt

Ruth A. Felt

John Holiday

John Holiday

Philip Glass

Philip Glass

Frederica von Stade

Frederica von Stade

Jake Heggie

Jake Heggie

Board ofDirectors

  • Jerome C. Roth, Chair
  • Peggy Otum, Vice Chair
  • Jane Hartley, Treasurer
  • Clifford (Kip) Cranna
  • Dr. Melinda Luisa de Jesús
  • Marylene Delbourg-Delphis
  • Louise Fox
  • Marcia Lazer
  • Steven Lei
  • Lisa Lindelef
  • Jeff Mattlin
  • Simin Naaseh
  • Peggy Otum
  • Nancy Petrisko
  • John Roevekamp
  • Deb Stallings
  • Jee Young You

AdvisoryCouncil

  • Roz Barak
  • Joseph Chan
  • Michael Colbruno
  • Steve Kesten
  • Robert Ripps
  • Nancy Roberts
  • Lawrence Siegel, JD

Opera Parallèle is aProud Member of

  

and is sponsored in part by grants from