Thank you NVO Family
May 3rd, 2017
Dear New Voices Opera Family,
It has been my absolute pleasure to serve as the executive director for New Voices Opera these past three seasons. What began as a one-off project has grown into something none of those involved five years ago could have ever imagined. I began as a performer in our very first opera, Intoxication, and have had the privilege to see NVO through its exciting evolution into the innovative force it is today.
The 2017 Double Bill marks operas eight and nine for NVO. Nine world premieres in five brief seasons. It truly is a staggering achievement for a headstrong group of student-volunteers, and their hard work and the unwavering support of the Bloomington community is to thank for NVO’s continued success.
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I have poured my soul into this organization, and so it is with a heavy heart that I announce that this 2017 Double Bill will be my last as executive director. The time has come for new challenges and next steps, but NVO will have a permanent place in my heart. I will be stepping into an advisory role over the next season and will help guide NVO toward the next five years, toward new leadership and the infusion of new talent and fresh ideas.
I owe so much to so many, and could never express the amount of gratitude I have for all the friends, advisors, and mentors that have answered my endless questions or calls for advice. The greater Bloomington community, and those distant NVO family members are the backbone of this project, and I look forward to joining their ranks as an NVO alumni.
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As a final thank you to the NVO community, I have a made a donation to New Voices Opera in honor of the hundreds of individuals who have touched this wonderful organization. I hope you will join me in supporting NVO with your time, talents, and generosity for many years to come. Together, we will ensure the longevity of New Voices Opera as we strive evermore for…
emergent, relevant opera.
Warmly,
Benjamin Smith
Executive Director
