Heartbeat Opera

Heartbeat Opera was founded in 2014 by Ethan Heard and Louisa Proske to create incisive adaptations and revelatory arrangements of classics, reimagining them for the here and now. Since then, Heartbeat Opera “has already contributed more to opera’s vitality than most major American companies” (The New York Times) and has established itself as a highly respected, innovative force in the opera world. Currently led by Artistic Director Jacob Ashworth and Executive Director Christian De Gré Cárdenas, with Music Director Daniel Schlosberg, Heartbeat Opera's legacy of radical adaptations of classic opera continues, and the company “hasn’t skipped a beat” (The New York Times). 

In thirteen seasons, Heartbeat has produced 20 radical adaptations, 11 Drag Opera Extravaganzas, and shared its work at the Kennedy Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Broad Stage, The Mondavi Center, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, and Chamber Music North West. It staged the first-ever opera performances at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and on NYC’s High Line and has mounted its immensely popular, interdisciplinary Drag Opera Extravaganza each year at iconic venues such as National Sawdust, Roulette, and the legendary Judson Memorial Church. During the pandemic, Heartbeat created Breathing Free, a visual album, which was nominated for the 2021 Drama League Award for Outstanding Digital Concert Production.