OperaDelaware Celebrates 50 Years of Bringing Opera to Delaware

The 11th oldest opera company in the U.S. undergoes leadership transition as it looks to a bright future.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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OperaDelaware, founded in 1945, is the 11th oldest opera company in the United States. After 13 years of leadership by Brendan Cooke as general director, the company is undergoing a transition as Cooke prepares to step down. Despite the challenges of running an under-resourced opera company, OperaDelaware has made important strides in recent years, including presenting its first "festival" seasons in 2016, adapting during the pandemic, and creating a new Company Artist model to strengthen ties with singers.

Why it matters

OperaDelaware's longevity in a small state like Delaware is a testament to the community's commitment to sustaining the art form. As the company enters a new chapter, its ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial to ensuring opera's continued presence and relevance in the region.

The details

Under Cooke's leadership, OperaDelaware presented its first "festival" seasons in 2016, which brought national attention and praise. The company also weathered the pandemic by experimenting with new ways of connecting with audiences, including a successful creative partnership with Opera Baltimore. OperaDelaware also created a new Company Artist model in 2024 to strengthen ties with singers.

  • OperaDelaware was founded in 1945.
  • Brendan Cooke has served as general director for the last 13 years.
  • OperaDelaware presented its first "festival" seasons in 2016.
  • The company created its Company Artist model in 2024.
  • Cooke is preparing to step down as general director later this year.

The players

Brendan Cooke

The outgoing general director of OperaDelaware, who has served in the role for the last 13 years.

OperaDelaware

The 11th oldest opera company in the United States, founded in 1945 and based in Delaware.

Opera Baltimore

A creative partner of OperaDelaware, with whom the company formed a successful partnership during the pandemic.

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What they’re saying

“Institutions like this do not endure because of any one person. They last because artists, administrators, board members, donors, volunteers and audiences decide, again and again, that the work is worth sustaining.”

— Brendan Cooke, Outgoing General Director, OperaDelaware (delawareonline.com)

“In 2016, OperaDelaware presented its first of four 'festival' seasons. It was a risk rooted in flexibility and artistic focus, and it brought national attention and external validation, including praise from The Washington Post, which noted that our performances rivaled those of companies many times our size.”

— Brendan Cooke, Outgoing General Director, OperaDelaware (delawareonline.com)

What’s next

OperaDelaware's board is leading a thoughtful and deliberate executive search and transition process to identify the right dynamic leader to carry the company into its next chapter.

The takeaway

OperaDelaware's ability to adapt, innovate, and build strong community support over its 50-year history demonstrates the enduring value of the arts in Delaware. As the company undergoes a leadership transition, its future remains bright, with the potential to continue inspiring audiences and strengthening the state's cultural landscape.