Union Avenue Opera

Mission Statement:

The mission of Union Avenue Opera is to provide professional opportunities for gifted, emerging artists and to offer vibrant and affordable opera experiences in original languages to audiences that reflect the breadth and diversity of the St. Louis region. Believing that the arts are vital to the health and reputation of a community, Union Avenue Opera is committed to its urban setting, educational outreach, and artistic integrity.

Our History:

Union Avenue Opera grew out of one man's vision for an opera company that would offer professional opportunities for gifted, emerging artists.

In the summer of 1995, Scott Schoonover, with the support of the Arts Group of Union Avenue and on a shoestring budget, mounted a production of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, and the rest is history.

In 2007 a new orchestra pit and expanded stage were constructed successfully completing UAO's first capital campaign.

Over the last nineteen years, Union Avenue Opera's repertoire, audience, reputation, and funding have grown as it has pursued its mission with excellence and integrity, offering professional opera in original languages at reasonable prices.

Union Avenue Opera has become an integral part of the St. Louis arts community.