Vital Opera is a social impact arts organization dedicated to cultivating human connection through the medium of operatic expression. Vital Opera was founded in New York City in 2012 as a developing project to explore how opera could be VITAL within a community. We believe that opera’s strength is not in storytelling per se, but in exploring the emotional content of what happens to people as life unfolds. Our organizational focus has been to utilize opera as a centerpiece to explore specific themes of human experience, presenting work in a manner that is artistically excellent, while remaining inviting, intimate, and accessible. Our work includes: -producing and performing from the existing repertoire -commissioning and developing new work -conducting artist development workshops -supporting artist community-building -creating and developing online content; and -co-producing events with community partners Our interest lies not so much in producing opera for opera’s sake but in presenting projects that utilize the operatic form to create more connection and conversation about issues that matter in our communities. As a social impact arts organization, we are interested in developing and presenting projects that, while rooted in specific stories and communities, also deal with the broader social, political, economic, and demographic dynamics at work throughout American society. We are continually seeking new ways to fulfill our mission and to be responsive to the evolving needs of our communities.