By Kim Meyer-Webb | Photography by Rett Peek | Hair by Haydon Howard with Face Your Day Xpress | Makeup by Justine Torres with Face Your Day Xpress | Wardrobe from Kim Hamric with Dillard’s
Kate Sain credentials are impressive and it is no surprise her vision for Opera In The Rock will enrich the lives of all Arkansans.
For more than a century, Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly has impressed audiences with its exquisite vocals, orchestral music and drama. This heartbreaking love story is a timeless classic – comprised of betrayal + tragedy combined with a clash of cultures – that continues to captivate opera enthusiasts. Opera In the Rock will present Madame Butterfly at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre in collaboration with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra this month. Executive Director Kate Sain shares a devotion for the rich history of opera and the Capital City that is unwavering as she leads Opera In the Rock into its most exciting production.
Kate’s credentials are impressive and it is no surprise her vision for Opera In The Rock will enrich the lives of all Arkansans. “We are committed to diversity in our leadership and programming,” Kate notes. “Artistic partnerships improve the cultural landscape in Arkansas. We hope to take our productions to venues throughout the state in places like Hot Springs, El Dorado and Northwest Arkansas.”
A Little Rock native, Kate remembers “the musicals at the Anthony School were always the highlight of the year for me. I attended my first Broadway show at Robinson Center as a young girl and fell in love with theater.” She also performed with the Little Rock Central High School Madrigal Singers. Kate earned a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Central Arkansas.
University of Central Arkansas Assistant Professor of Voice Christine Donahue introduced Kate to Opera In The Rock. “Initially, she was a graduate student and working on some administrative tasks for Opera In The Rock. As Kate’s role evolved into an ‘unofficial’ executive director, we realized she was a natural for the position and she became our ‘official’ executive director. Kate’s ideas and enthusiasm are taking Opera In The Rock to a new level of excellence.” Christine served on the Opera In the Rock Board of Directors and has been involved with opera in Arkansas for decades.
Established in 2012, Opera In The Rock is the state’s only Professional Company Member of Opera America, prestigious designation that – according to Kate – “includes only 135 opera companies in the country.” A critical component of the organization’s mission fulfillment work includes making opera more accessible to more Arkansans. It’s strategic partnerships – with a shared vision of enriching the culture of the Central Arkansas – that Kate believes is the future of Opera In The Rock. “I have fallen in love with my hometown and I get to work with people who love the arts as much as I do. I hope we can all work together and continue to add to the arts ecosystem of the our city.”
