Edna Greenwich has long been a beacon of passion for the arts, a passion that took root in her early years. Growing up, she was enchanted by the vibrant rhythm of live performances, from the captivating harmonies of The Supremes at the Apollo to the striking grace of Mikhail Baryshnikov at Lincoln Center. These formative experiences sparked a lifelong love for the performing arts and deepened her appreciation for the transformative power of music and theater.
In 2004, Edna’s enthusiasm for the arts led representatives from the Department of Citywide Services to invite her to produce an opera presentation for their Black History Program. This significant moment inspired the founding of what would ultimately evolve into Opera Exposures. With encouragement from Jeanine Otis, esteemed artist and music director of St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, Edna organized an opera program at St. Mark's, solidifying her commitment to introducing opera to diverse and unconventional settings.
The mission of Opera Exposures is both clear and ambitious: to showcase seasoned professional musicians alongside emerging artists in accessible venues at reasonable prices, ensuring that performers receive fair compensation. The organization strives to cultivate future opera audiences by reaching out to those outside the traditional concert-going crowd, fostering inclusive environments where individuals can discover the beauty of this art form. Edna is guided by her motto, "Everyone loves opera; they just don’t know it yet," and is passionate about sharing the joy and emotional resonance of opera with a broader audience.
Over the years, Opera Exposures has realized its vision by hosting programs at a variety of venues, including St. Bart's Church and Opera America in New York City, Christ Church in Staten Island, and the Food Court in Jamaica, Queens. These diverse locations not only emphasize the accessibility of opera but also invite a wide range of audiences to engage with the art form in everyday settings.
Through Opera Exposures, Edna continues to broaden the range of operatic performances, including traditional arias, duets, and ensemble pieces from renowned operas, as well as spirituals, show tunes, standard cabaret songs, folk music, and popular hits. Opera Exposures celebrates established artists while nurturing the next generation. Edna's unwavering dedication has established her as a vital force in the organization, enriching the cultural landscape and inspiring both performers and audiences along the way.
Edna Greenwich Founder and Director
Founded by Edna Greenwich in 2004, Opera Exposures (a non-profit 501c3) launched its premier operatic event at the invitaiton of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and followed up at Saint Mark’s Church with great success. Opera Exposures aims to support young and emerging artists. We are also dedicated to building the audience for opera by presenting concerts in non-traditional venues.