Bend Opera Company Brings Classical Music to Central Oregon

Opera Bend's innovative approach aims to make the art form more accessible to local audiences.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:33am

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A bold, abstract composition of jagged geometric shapes in black, red, and white, conceptually representing the energy and drama of an opera performance.Opera Bend's innovative approach to making classical music more accessible is striking a chord with the growing Bend community.Bend Today

In this episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Jason Stein, Executive Director of Opera Bend, to discuss the journey of building and sustaining an opera company in Central Oregon. Stein shares his background as a performer in New York City and how he found his way to Bend, where he is helping fill the void left by the closure of Obsidian Opera. The conversation explores Opera Bend's mission to make opera welcoming and accessible, the balance between local talent and visiting performers, and what audiences can expect from upcoming productions.

Why it matters

As Bend's population continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for arts and cultural institutions that can bring high-quality live performances to the community. Opera Bend's work to establish a vibrant opera scene in Central Oregon is significant, as it provides residents access to this classical art form and helps cultivate a love of the performing arts.

The details

Stein, who previously studied acting in New York City and performed on major stages, found his way to Bend and took on the role of Executive Director at Opera Bend. Under his leadership, the company is working to make opera more welcoming and accessible to local audiences through initiatives like performing operas in English with supertitles. Stein and Switzer also discuss the realities of producing large-scale opera productions, the balance between featuring local talent and bringing in visiting performers, and the upcoming productions audiences can look forward to, including a performance of Die Fledermaus.

  • Opera Bend was founded after the closure of Obsidian Opera in Central Oregon.
  • The company is preparing to present its production of Die Fledermaus, performed in English with supertitles.

The players

Jason Stein

The Executive Director of Opera Bend, Stein previously studied acting in New York City and performed on major stages before finding his way to Bend and taking on the role of leading the city's opera company.

Aaron Switzer

The host of the Bend Don't Break podcast, who interviewed Stein about Opera Bend's work in Central Oregon.

Obsidian Opera

A previous opera company that operated in Central Oregon before closing, leaving a void that Opera Bend is now working to fill.

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What they’re saying

“Along the way, he reflects on what drew him to opera, how his voice shaped his career, and why Bend became home.”

— The Source Staff, Author

“Jason and Aaron explore the role of opera in a growing community, the balance between local talent and visiting performers, and Opera Bend's mission to make opera welcoming and accessible.”

— The Source Staff, Author

What’s next

Opera Bend is preparing to present its production of Die Fledermaus, performed in English with supertitles, which will give local audiences a chance to experience the company's work.

The takeaway

Opera Bend's innovative approach to making classical music more accessible is helping to cultivate a love of the performing arts in Bend's growing community, filling a void left by the closure of a previous opera company and providing residents with high-quality live performances.