Dallas, Texas, December 17, 2025
The Dallas Opera will mark the 10th anniversary of its Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors with a Showcase Concert on January 25, featuring six alumnae conducting the orchestra. Founded in 2015 to bridge the gender gap in opera conducting, the Institute has fostered over 500 women in the field. A new fellowship will also be launched during the 2025/2026 Season, supporting the ongoing contributions of women in classical music.
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Opera is set to commemorate a significant milestone with the 10th anniversary of its Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors, marked by an exciting Showcase Concert on January 25, 2026. This event promises to be a celebratory occasion featuring six alumnae from the Institute’s first decade, who will conduct The Dallas Opera Orchestra alongside guest singers performing excerpts from operas that have played a pivotal role in the company’s storied history. The distinguished conductors set to lead this concert include Tiffany Chang, Michelle Di Russo, Barbara Dragan, Tianyi Lu, Shira Samuels-Shragg, and Blair Salter.
Founded in 2015, the Hart Institute was established to confront and address the gender imbalance in opera conducting. Over the past ten years, more than 500 aspiring conductors from 40 different nations have sought the resources, training, and career support found at the Institute, signaling a robust demand for inclusive practices in classical music. This initiative not only empowers women in the conducting industry but also enriches the cultural fabric of Dallas, a city known for celebrating artistic expression.
As part of this season’s celebrations, the Hart Institute will also introduce the Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Fellowship during the 2025/2026 Season. This fellowship is designed to provide real-world experience in various roles such as assistant conductor, rehearsal pianist, and vocal coach. The inaugural recipient, Jingqi Zhu, a 2023 alumna, is set to undertake the role of assistant conductor for The Dallas Opera’s much-anticipated production of “Carmen” in October.
### Celebrating a Decade of Impact
The Showcase Concert is well poised to be a grand affair, taking place at the Winspear Opera House on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased via The Dallas Opera’s official website, reflecting the organization’s commitment to making the arts accessible to all.
The Hart Institute’s 10th anniversary season will not only highlight the progress made over the last decade but will also launch a series of retrospective events that celebrate the achievements of its alumnae. By fostering an environment where female conductors can shine, the Institute continues to reshape the landscape of classical music, addressing historical gender disparities in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field.
Supporting initiatives like the Hart Institute lays the groundwork for future generations of artists and contributes to a thriving community that values and elevates diverse voices. As the classical music community in Dallas continues to flourish, it highlights the importance of entrepreneurial innovation and a commitment to inclusivity in achieving sustained economic and cultural growth.
### Join the Celebration
As the time draws closer to the anniversary concert, it is crucial to recognize how the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors is not only impacting the personal achievements of individual conductors but also transforming the entire industry. This celebration of artistry and progress is an opportunity for community members to come together and support local endeavors that uplift underrepresented voices within the arts.
In an age where community involvement can significantly bolster economic development and cultural richness, attending events such as the Showcase Concert is one meaningful way to support local talent.
#### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors?
The Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors is a program established by The Dallas Opera in 2015 to address the gender imbalance in opera conducting. It provides training and career support to women conductors, offering opportunities to lead The Dallas Opera Orchestra and engage in masterclasses with renowned conductors. Over the past decade, more than 500 candidates from 40 nations have applied to be trained, advised, and supported by this leadership initiative.
What is the Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Fellowship?
The Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Fellowship is a new initiative launched during the 2025/2026 Season by The Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute. This fellowship offers practical, firsthand experience as an assistant conductor, rehearsal pianist, offstage conductor, vocal coach, assistant chorus director, and more. Jingqi Zhu, a 2023 alumna, has been named the inaugural recipient and will serve as the assistant conductor for The Dallas Opera’s production of “Carmen” in October.
When and where is the 10th Anniversary Showcase Concert taking place?
The 10th Anniversary Showcase Concert is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas. Tickets are available for purchase through The Dallas Opera’s official website.
Who are the conductors participating in the 10th Anniversary Showcase Concert?
The participating conductors for the 10th Anniversary Showcase Concert are Tiffany Chang, Michelle Di Russo, Barbara Dragan, Tianyi Lu, Shira Samuels-Shragg, and Blair Salter. Each conductor will lead The Dallas Opera Orchestra and guest singers in excerpts from operas significant to the company’s history.
How has the Hart Institute impacted the classical music industry?
The Hart Institute has played a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of classical music by advancing the careers of women in the most visible position in the orchestra. It continues to provide training and career support to women conductors, addressing the gender imbalance in opera conducting.
### Key Features of the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishment | Founded in 2015 by The Dallas Opera to address gender imbalance in opera conducting. |
| Global Reach | Over 500 candidates from 40 nations have applied to be trained, advised, and supported by the Institute. |
| 10th Anniversary | Celebrated in the 2025/2026 Season with special retrospective events and a Showcase Concert on January 25, 2026. |
| New Fellowship | Launched the Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Fellowship during the 2025/2026 Season, offering practical experience in various conducting roles. |
| Inaugural Fellow | Jingqi Zhu, a 2023 alumna, named the inaugural recipient and will serve as assistant conductor for The Dallas Opera’s production of “Carmen” in October. |
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