In the 1980s, Bozeman blossomed into the cultural hub of the Rockies, attracting artists with its mix of natural beauty and collaborative spirit. The Bridger Mountains, Gallatin River, and vast wilderness inspired painters, photographers, and musicians alike creating a distinctive regional identity that continues to shape Bozeman’s art scene. Emerald Hart Ullman of Opera Montana, shares a piece of that story.

When people hear “opera”, they rarely think of Montana. Yet Opera Montana has been proving otherwise for nearly 50 years. Founded in 1979 as the Intermountain Opera Association by Metropolitan Opera baritone Pablo Elvira, the company brought world-class singers, designers, and directors to Bozeman. With the help of dedicated local volunteers, who even sold tickets out of a garage, grand productions came alive in the heart of the Rockies.

Today, Opera Montana is a fully professional company with a staff of five and nearly 200 guest artists each year. Each season features two operas and a musical, blending international stars with local singers, designers, and musicians. It’s a mix that creates something unique, local performers sharing the stage with artists who’ve sung at the Met or La Scala, proving that opera belongs to everyone.

We’re deeply rooted in our community. Our Veterans Chorus grew out of a production about wounded soldiers, and now offers a weekly space for veterans to sing together. We’ve partnered with local nonprofits to thoughtfully address themes such as domestic violence onstage and off. Our school tour, Wheels of Harmony, brings Indigenous artists and opera into rural and tribal classrooms, making sure students across Montana see themselves reflected in this art form. And through our Opera for All ticket program, we make sure cost is never a barrier.

Opera is often called the most expensive art form, but here it’s also the most accessible. Whether it’s Puccini’s Tosca, a Broadway classic, or a brand-new work like our adaptation of A River Runs Through It, Opera Montana is committed to making world-class music part of everyday life in the Rockies.

Opera Montana performances aren’t just held in one fixed location; while they have historically performed at venues like the Wilson Auditorium and The Ellen Theatre, the specific theater varies by production. Explore upcoming performances, educational programs, and community events online at operamontana.org. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you.