Established in 1938, the Lowell House Opera is the longest continually performing opera company in New England, featuring a mix of Harvard students and Boston area students and professionals. Every year dozens of artists and student artists volunteer their time to create a production with full orchestra, costumes, sets, and lighting. The operas are performed in their original language, with English supertitles projected in front of the stage. The hall presents a more intimate performance venue which is particularly suited to lighter voices and audience members to see opera up close.

Lowell House Opera offers educational opportunities on many levels and is dedicated towards developing professional skills on many fronts. Experienced directors and production staff direct workshops and individual coachings to enhance performance skills. Singers are able to learn and perform their roles in their original language, and explore the literary basis and historical context for the work. For undergraduates in particular, it offers a unique opportunity to work with and create contacts with more experienced artists who have made or have begun to make opera and theater their life’s work.

Lowell House Opera is a community effort involving artists within and outside of Harvard University. It is seen by audience members from throughout the Boston area, over 1500 people each season, and is critically acclaimed as Harvard University’s flagship annual opera.