The Opera Theatre of Yale College (OTYC) is the undergraduate opera company of Yale University. As a vital part of Yale’s vibrant classical music scene, the OTYC's productions are highly anticipated on campus. Noted for its impeccable musical standards and innovative productions, the company performs to consistently sold-out audiences of Yale faculty, students, and members of the greater New Haven community.



The mission of the Opera Theatre of Yale College is to provide a forum for operatic education and performance to Yale’s undergraduate population. The OTYC is run by an Executive Board of officers, elected annually by the company’s constituency. Any undergraduate who has participated in two or more OTYC productions is eligible to become a member. Our members are enthusiastic opera lovers, with distinguishing talents as singers, pianists, instrumentalists, directors, designers, producers and administrators. They work collaboratively, with input from professors and faculty advisors, to present multiple large-scale operatic productions each season. In addition, the OTYC works in tandem with other Yale University music organizations to foster the performance of classical music on campus. In addition to our mainstage productions, the OTYC reaches musicians from all walks of Yale life through its popular opera scenes programs, educational outreach trips to New Haven schools, and frequent social events.



The company currently known as the Opera Theatre of Yale College originated in 1992, when celebrated soprano Sari Gruber ’93 created an extracurricular opera club for undergraduates. The group’s initial performances were given on campus in a variety of venues, including residential college dining halls. In 1998, singer Lisa Hopkins ‘01 formally established the Yale College Opera Company. Since then, the company has continually produced fully staged operas, scenes programs, and cabaret events to great acclaim.



The Opera Theatre of Yale College is proud to have worked in many of Yale University’s most prestigious performance spaces. Our productions have been seen at the University Theater, the Whitney Humanities Center Theater, the Off Broadway Theater, the Yale School of Medicine Auditorium, the Davenport/Pierson Auditorium, and Dwight Chapel. In addition, select members sing regularly with the Yale Glee Club, Yale Schola Cantorum, and Yale Symphony Orchestra in venues including Woolsey Hall, Sprague Hall, and the Yale Divinity School’s Marquand Chapel. Our singers include members of each of Yale’s twelve a cappella groups, numerous Yale Whiffenpoofs and Whim ‘n Rhythm singers among them. OTYC members perform regularly for university-sponsored events, including those at President Richard Levin’s home.



If you are a Yale student and would like to find out more information about OTYC or become involved, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Executive Board. We’d love to talk (or sing) you into joining the OTYC family!



If you would like to support our organization, please consider making a donation. You may specify what area of artistic development or which specific opera you would like your donation to support. Please contact Gabriella Tortorello, our Development Chair, for more information.



We thank you for visiting our website, and hope you will attend one of our upcoming performances.



Sincerely,

The Executive Board of the Opera Theatre of Yale College