Denver’s opera lovers and patrons came out in formal attire in full force to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, named after gala honoree and “Denver’s First Lady of Opera” Eleanor Caulkins.
The evening was emceed by Simone D. Ross, President and CEO of Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Gala Honorary Chairs were Marcia & Dick Robinson and Co-Chairs Jack Finlaw & Gregory Movesian. After an elegant dinner in the DCPA Seawell Ballroom guests were serenaded by arias performed by Opera Colorado’s 2025-26 Artists in Residence.
Ellie Caulkins was recognized at the podium with a framed official proclamation by Colorado Governor Jared Polis who designated Feb 27, 2026 as Ellie Caulkins Opera Day. A video tribute honoring honor opera house’s legacy was followed by an dynamic live auction and paddle raiser.
The evening concluded with a concert featuring Grammy Award–winning baritone Will Liverman with pianist Elizabeth G. Hill. Liverman has been praised internationally for his versatility in dramatic and comedic operatic roles and his dedication and vision as a composer and artist. Hill has led and performed at some of Washington DC’s top venues, and is the pianist for the National Philharmonic.
A lot can happen in 20 years. The “Ellie” opened Opera Colorado’s official home with a gala benefit for the Colorado Opera Foundation on September 10, 2005. Opera Colorado’s first season in the new venue featured a production of Carmen starring mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves in the title role.
The remainder of the 2025-26 season features:
Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, May 2, 5, 7, 8, 10 | 2026
Opera Colorado’s 2026-27 Season kicks off with The Artist In Residence Showcase on September 26, 2026. The Fall season features performances of Verdi’s Macbeth November 7, 10, 13 and 15, 2026 followed by family-friendly showings of The Snowy Day, February 27 and 28, 2027 and Mozart’s comedy, The School for Lovers on May 1, 4,7 and 9, 2027.
To purchase tickets and for more information visit operacolorado.org
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- Guests and patrons enjoyed celebrating “The Ellie”
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- Elizabeth Sweeny and Gayle and Michael Landis
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- Elizabeth Sweeny and Gayle and Michael Landis
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- Wei and Erika Wu
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- Ramey Caulkins, Ronni McCaffery
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- Russell Stewart, Mary Laird Warner
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- Pam and Chris Wineman
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- Angela Blue, Antony Pierce
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- Andra Albo, Ayana Contreras, Richard Cosa
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- Stanley and Deb Loftness
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- Sara Leitch, Aimee Dokes, Beth Moyski
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- Steve and Chryse Hutchins
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- Celebrating “The Ellie” with style
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- 20th Anniversary of the Ellie Caulkins Oper House
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- More than 400 attended the 20th Anniversary of the Caulkins Opera House
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- The reception was held at the DCPA’s Seawell Ballroom
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- Josh Blum, Meg Lemon
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- Reception attracted new patrons and guests and families
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- Audrey and Jon Fairbrother
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- Generous sponsors ensure that top performers for each season
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- Getting ready for the program
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- The event was formal black-tie and long gowns
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- Ellen Robinson, Justyn Shwayder
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- Ellen Robinson, Justyn Shwayder
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- Ellen Robinson, Justyn Shwayder, Kathy Finlon
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- Katie Coerver, Yoon Cho
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- Janice Sinden, Greg Movesian, Vicki Sterling, Suzanne Yoe
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- Helen Atkison, Stan Raine
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- Centerpieces honored the 20th Anniversary
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- The annual event helps support The Ellie programs and performances
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- The reception allowed mingling of guests and patrons
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- Each opera season features programs for the whole family
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- The program featured arias by Artists in Residence
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- Meeting new and old friends
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- Emcee Simon D. Ross kept the event flowing
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- The Caulkins Opera House features programs year-round
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- Opera Colorado was founded in 1981
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- Some of Denver’s most avid patrons attended
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- Opera patrons are among the most dedicated in the city
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- More than 400 attended this year’s event
