Opera, a musical, dramatic, and visual arts experience, has the power to communicate to a wide audience through a combination of forces and imagery -- singers, orchestras, choruses, and dancers; colorful costumes; and innovative or elaborate set designs. Opera has evolved through time and, in the United States, has been influenced by our national traditions; however, universal themes are at its core. Whether opera is produced on a grand scale or for an intimate chamber setting, the creators and interpreters bring to life, through music, stories that provide context for our human experiences.

The National Endowment for the Arts Opera Honors honors those visionary creators, extraordinary performers, and other interpreters who have made a lasting impact on our national cultural landscape.

Carlisle Floyd Composer, Librettist		Richard Gaddes Advocate
James Levine Conductior		Leontyne Price Performer

Photo credits:
Carlisle Floyd - Jim Caldwell;
Richard Gaddes - Ken Howard
James Levine - Koichi Miura
Leontyne Price - Jack Mitchell | Sony RCA Records

National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20506

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