Amarillo Opera was founded in April 1988 by Mila Gibson, Opera Workshop and Vocal Professor at Amarillo College from 1982-2000. The company’s first production, Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, starred Gibson who also served as producer, director, costumer and publicist.

The success of that initial production led to the incorporation of Amarillo Opera with Dr. Merrill and Catherine Winsett, H.R. and Thelma Fulton and Gibson as Founding Directors and Gibson as General Director, with complete administrative and artistic responsibility for the company. BRAVO, the Amarillo Opera membership support group, was established one year later with 75 charter members under the leadership of Founding President, Dr. Bill Byrd.

Since the beginning, a strong working relationship with Amarillo College has enabled the company to grow artistically, financially, and administratively. Today, Amarillo College continues to provide administrative facilities, rehearsal and performing spaces, and a line item budget to assist with production expenses.

In September 2009, David O’Dell succeeded Gibson as Amarillo Opera’s General Director, with the 2010-2011 Season marking the first season entirely planned and executed under his leadership.

In August 2018, Mary Jane Johnson was named the Amarillo Opera's General Director.

Amarillo College is proud to be a community partner with the Amarillo Opera.

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