Opera Kansas

About
OPERA KANSAS

INTEGRITY | HONESTY | PROFESSIONALISM

Opera Kansas produces a series of modern and rarely performed operas throughout the state. Additionally, the opera company works with the K-12 school system to create music educational programs that fit with in the core history and literature curriculum. Opera Kansas is also committed to making opera accessible by taking performances into the community, singing in retirement homes, parks and unusual venues throughout Wichita and southern Kansas.

After thirty years, Opera Kansas is still committed to bringing the power of high quality opera to people living in a modern world. The opera company is grateful for support from patrons and audiences across Kansas.

Our Mission

Opera Kansas brings innovative, affordable, and accessible opera to communities and schools throughout Kansas, while providing emerging musicians artistic opportunities in a respectful, professional environment.

Our Goals

To provide innovative works of one act and chamber operas at affordable prices.
To provide intimate performances by taking opera into the community.
To provide a stage for new and rarely performed operas and vocal works.
To provide a focused partnership that meets the state’s K-12 school curriculum.
To maintain a fiscally responsible opera company of artistic excellence.

Our Values

Integrity
Honesty
Professionalism
Progressive thinking
Ethical Practices
Our people are our ultimate asset

Our History

In 1985 eighteen individuals met to form a group interested in promoting quality opera performance in Wichita and beyond. This group soon became Opera Kansas. These individuals were dedicated to bringing opera performances to the state and educating Kansans to this great art form, recognizing that with knowledge, follows appreciation.

Opera Kansas was incorporated in December 1985 as a 501 (c)(3).

During the early years, the group sponsored out-of-town trips to enjoy live opera performances, offered opera appreciation classes and presented film festivals that included Aida, Turandot, and La Forza del Destino.

In 1989, Opera Kansas produced its first opera. It staged the one-act opera, An Evening with Amadeus, as an official River Festival event. The production was so well received that for the next ten years, one-act operas were presented annually at the River Festival.

Some of the operas presented were Arabian Nights at the Opera, Gianni Schicihi, The Old Maid and the Thief, The Telephone, Gallantry, The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, and The Marriage Contract.

Over the past three decades, the company has brought many national and international opera performers to Wichita audiences. Some of these artists include Joyce DiDinato, Samuel Ramey, Nicholas Saverine, Charlene Ayers, Brian Frutiger, Michael Nansel and a host of other high quality performers that reflect the organizations’ mission.

Throughout its history, well-known leaders of Wichita have led Opera Kansas. Foremost was Burton Pell who served as president and producer for many years. Other community leaders have been Willard and Jean Garvey, Mary Koch, Dan and Shoko Sevart, Harald Boschmann, Delmar Klocke, Al Buck, Van and Virginia Fiser, Dr. Walter Myers, Dr. George and Mary Jane Gibson, Dr. Jerold and Diane Leisy, and Sherri Pilgreen.

Our Team

Zeffin Hollis, Executive Director

Zeffin Hollis is a nationally recognized baritone, director, and educator whose work spans major opera houses, new music premieres, and televised performances across three continents. He now leads Opera Kansas into its 40th season with a clear mission: to make opera more immediate, inclusive, and locally rooted.

Hollis has performed over 100 leading roles with companies including Dallas Opera, New York City Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Chicago Opera Theatre. His credits include both classics like Tosca and Carmen and modern works such as The Central Park Five, winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Music. His performances have been broadcast internationally on MezzoTV, DunaTV, and KCET.

A Kansas native, Zeffin returned to Wichita in 2020 and brings both artistic depth and strategic leadership to his role. He also serves as Co-Artistic Director and Managing Director of OperaWorks in Los Angeles and holds an MBA from Kansas State University. His leadership focuses on empowering artists, building civic partnerships, and expanding access to meaningful performance experiences.