Milestones Forged in Song

Milestones Forged in Song: Celebrating 20 Years of Musical Storytelling

As we look ahead to our 2026 season, Milestones Forged in Song, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement for what Loveland Opera Theatre continues to build with our artists, audiences, educators, and community partners.

This season marks a significant milestone for our company as we celebrate 20 years of musical storytelling, while also honoring two historic anniversaries: the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood and the 250th anniversary of the United States. These celebrations provide a meaningful framework for programming that looks both backward and forward. We’re honoring tradition while embracing creativity, collaboration, and growth.

We begin the year with our Dahlen Educational Outreach Touring production of Little Red’s Most Unusual Day, a joyful and imaginative opera that allows us to connect directly with young audiences across our community. Directed by Associate Director Emily Morris, this production continues our cherished tradition of featuring student-created artwork from Thompson School District as part of the set design. The inclusion of Colorado-inspired imagery paired with playful surprises beautifully reflects our commitment to education, creativity, and local pride. 

Summer brings us together in a different way with Wild West Song Fest, a vibrant, all-day celebration of music, art, and community at Grimm Brothers Brewery. This event highlights the power of collaboration, bringing together local artists, arts organizations, vendors, and creatives to share the many stories that make Colorado such a remarkable place to live and work. Through music rooted in American traditions and tales of the West, we celebrate the diverse voices that shape our cultural landscape.

Our mainstage production, Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus, invites audiences into a dazzling evening of comedy, elegance, and musical brilliance. Reimagined in Gilded Age Denver, this fully staged English-language production connects classic operetta with Colorado’s own rich history. Under the leadership of stage director Peter F. Muller and musical director AJ Wulf, the production showcases the artistry, humor, and heart that define Loveland Opera Theatre.

We conclude the season with our Winter Gala: Milestones Forged in Song, a celebratory evening honoring where we have been and where we are headed. Featuring musical selections from past Loveland Opera Theatre mainstage productions, the gala offers an opportunity to reflect on the artists, supporters, and audiences who make our work possible.

As we look toward this milestone season, I am deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support Loveland Opera Theatre—our performers, creative teams, board members, volunteers, donors, and loyal patrons. Your dedication allows us to tell meaningful stories through music, foster education, and strengthen our connection to the community.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating this moment. We look forward to sharing this special season with you and to many more stories yet to be sung.

With sincere appreciation,

Kelsie Furst- Executive and Artistic Director

Loveland Opera Theatre