Originally conceived to provide an outlet that would allow singers to practice and enjoy their art together outside of a stage contract, WCO has become much more.

Now in its fifth season, WCO has cultivated an audience interested in attending and watching “a piece of the process.” They have found it not only interesting to see grand opera in its unfinished state, but mesmerizing to be in such close physical proximity to the kind of voices which usually only reach them in the balconies.

Preferring to perform in smaller, more casual venues, WCO provides an unusually intimate experience for both the singer and audience alike. It is nearly unheard of to be able to hear great opera in a cozy setting. Starting in California under the name Los Angeles Concert Opera, the company began with Rigoletto and continued with Die Fledermaus and Don Giovanni. After moving to Oregon, the first presentation was a revival of Don Giovanni, followed by Hansel and Gretel.

Currently WCO is planning on singing four scores a year, all sung in their original language and cut only if there is a tradition in doing so.

View the 2008 WCO newsletter here.