About BCO
Vision:
To enrich the cultural fabric of Jacksonville by opening the world of opera to all—fostering connection, diversity, and a shared love of storytelling through music.
Mission:
To create collaborative opera experiences that are immersive, accessible, and community-centered—opening the door for new audiences to discover and understand the art form.
History:
In late 2022, Bold City Opera was formally founded by locally-based soprano Christine Alfano and conductor Brandon Michael Smith. What started off as a dream between two collaborating musicians came to fruition with BCO's extraordinarily successful first season in 2023. This inaugural season featured free outreach performances of Barber's A Hand of Bridge, as well as a highly celebrated and nearly sold-out production of Puccini's Suor Angelica. Season Two featured expanded programming, with a thrilling immersive production of Bartók's Bluebeard's Castle and a free-to-the-public double bill of Heggie's Another Sunrise and For a Look or a Touch. Season Three continued to push the boundaries of immersive operatic theatre with Menotti's The Medium, while also continuing to provide accessible performances to the community through new concert programming. Bold City Opera is the awardee of a 2025 Art Ventures Grant from the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, as well as the 2025 Community Impact Award from the First Coast Cultural Council.
Values:
Professionalism
We uphold the highest standards of artistic excellence, integrity, and respect—ensuring every production, partnership, and interaction reflects our commitment to quality and accountability.
Inclusion
We actively welcome and celebrate diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences—on stage, behind the scenes, and in our audiences—creating a space where everyone feels they belong.
Accessibility
We are committed to breaking down barriers to opera by making our performances approachable, affordable, and engaging for people of all backgrounds and levels of familiarity.
Innovation
We reimagine opera through creative storytelling, immersive experiences, and bold ideas—keeping the art form dynamic, relevant, and connected to today’s world.
Local Connection
We collaborate with and invest in our local community—amplifying regional talent, partnering with local organizations, and creating work that reflects and enriches the community we serve.