OUR STORY

Vineyard Touring Opera Company (VTO) was co-founded by Alan Medak and Douglas Acker and granted 501(c)3 nonprofit status in November 2009. From its earliest days, VTO set itself apart by producing fully staged operas with live orchestra — mounting 21 productions across 14 titles including Tosca, Rigoletto, Madama Butterfly, Norma, and many more.

However, VTO's ambitions always extended far beyond the mainstage. Committed to the idea that opera can belong to everyone, VTO made community access central to its identity. Nearly every mainstage show has included a free performance in an underserved LA neighborhood — from Pico-Union to Koreatown — with English and Spanish supertitles to welcome audiences new to the art form. After the pandemic, this outreach continued when VTO launched a robust program of pop-up recitals at senior centers, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and acute care hospitals — bringing live opera directly to those who can no longer easily make it to the theatre.
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VTO has also been a steadfast champion of new music and emerging artists. The organization commissioned the original opera Olvera Street, celebrating a little-known chapter of Los Angeles history; launched the Southern California Opera Network (SCON), connecting singers across the region with multiple presenting organizations in a single audition day; and has consistently created platforms for local composers, student conductors, and developing performers to grow their craft alongside seasoned professionals.

OUR MISSION

Vineyard Touring Opera Company (VTO) operates a community opera company dedicated to promoting quality opera for all. The organization focuses on five major goals:

• To promote the art of opera to the widest possible audience through performance, lectures, demonstration, publications and all other appropriate means.
• To engage audiences through private and public performances, especially those audiences who have not had the opportunity to experience the art form because of location, income, age or disability.
• To educate the public at large about opera, its contribution to other art forms and the culture in general.
• To provide performance opportunities to established and developing local artists.
• To collaborate with other arts and community groups for the furtherance of the opera and other artistic endeavors.