Eugene Opera, Eugene

"Eugene Opera," wrote the Eugene Weekly in a 2013 profile, "is helping make opera relevant to 21st-century Oregon." But the company isn't just working on creating a new generation of fans, it's pushing the future of the art form forward. To that end it stages daring contemporary works that present relevant social issues, from the examination of the prison system in Jake Heggie's Dead Man Walking to the study of mythology in John Adams' Nixon in China. Yet it certainly hasn't forgotten the classics. Since its debut performance of Carmen in 1976 the opera regularly sprinkles its seasons with hallowed works by the likes of Stephen Sondheim and Puccini.

Contemporary works aren't the only way the company looks forward, either. Their Artist Mentor Program sends members of the opera chorus into the community to interact with students and young musicians, while the Eugene Opera Academy gives high schoolers with interest in any element of the productions a chance to get their hands dirty.