Get to Know Friends of the Opera, the Austin Group Bringing Fresh Energy to a Timeless Art Form

Opera, with its rich history and powerful storytelling, often carries a reputation of exclusivity, evoking images of stuffy, elitist audiences, but why does this perception persist when opera is far from outdated? Performances continue to tell stories both traditional and modern, combining themes of politics, timeless fables and deeply human experiences.

To challenge the misconception that opera is only for older audiences, a new group has emerged in Austin—Friends of the Opera (FOTO). This community of young art enthusiasts is redefining how people connect with these pieces of performance. Through engaging social events and fresh perspectives, the group is infusing the Austin Opera with renewed energy and proving that this timeless art form is accessible, exciting and relevant.

The movement began when Stephanie Pace Smith, president of the Austin Chapter of the Cal Alumni Association, crossed paths with Jennifer Basten, the chief advancement officer at Austin Opera. After attending a performance of “The Marriage of Figaro” at Basten’s invitation, Pace Smith was captivated by the production’s beauty and the two soon joined forces with a mission to spread the word to friends and fellow age groups.

Building community with FOTO

Pace Smith leveraged her connections within her alumni association to host happy hours before and after the performance, creating a welcoming atmosphere for her network to explore the arts. Through FOTO, Smith has gone on to organize a variety of exciting events, including lively parties, silent discos and intimate gatherings. One such soirée featured performances by opera soprano Audrey Ballish and jazz musician Diego Rivera, which transformed Pace Smith’s own home into an unforgettable venue for a night.

Since founding the organization last year, Pace Smith and her passionate team have achieved remarkable success, recruiting more than 100 members in just 12 months—a milestone that translates into 100 new season ticket holders and a feat that has contributed to the increased age and ethnic diversity of Austin Opera’s audience.

“That’s a big goal for Austin Opera, and I’m proud that FOTO has played a role in making it a reality,” shared Pace Smith. In an effort to foster greater diversity, Austin Opera has launched the Opera ATX Residency for Latinx Creatives this year, a program aimed at amplifying stories that reflect the Latinx experience in both English and Spanish.

Expanding opera’s reach in Austin

This initiative “is about creating operas that resonate with our vibrant, diverse Austin community today,” explained Pace Smith. Aligned with this commitment to diversity comes the Butler Fund for Spanish Programming, a fund designed to broaden Austin Opera’s artistic offerings, ensuring that the company’s repertoire reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of the city. One significant project supported by the fund was “Cruzar,” the first-ever Mariachi opera.

Membership to FOTO offers access to a guaranteed mezzanine seat where guests sit with other members to watch an exceptional lineup of performances and events, including Verdi’s “Requiem,” Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” and “Conductor Cues”—intimate gatherings curated by Music Director Timothy Myers. These events feature live performances, special guest appearances and insightful discussions that provide a deeper connection to the art and its stories.

As FOTO looks toward the new year, the group is setting its sights on doubling membership through expanded community outreach, word-of-mouth advocacy and an exciting lineup of events.

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