Nevada Opera Association was founded in 1968 by Ted & Deena Puffer, the company is Nevada's oldest professional performing arts company.  A little research uncovers Ted & Deena's passion for opera.  They helped launch opera companies all over the country and have translated dozens of opera librettos (the story) - many of their translations are still used today.

Underworld influence?  Against all odds, opera thrives in Reno.  From the beginning, the company was able to produce operas one would only expect from much larger cities including American and world premieres.

The secret?  Casinos all had "house bands" so musicians and dancers didn't need "day jobs."  In fact, Nevada still has one of the highest per capita rates of musicians and dancers in the country.

It's not so easy to explain the dedication and passion people bring to their work at the Nevada Opera.  Talented artists, musicians and production crew members come together to stage larger than life stories set to breath-taking music.  Maybe they find Artistic Director Michael Borowitz's dedication to honest opera compelling.