Columbia Operatic Laboratory

Since its founding in 2015, Columbia Operatic Laboratory has made its mark offering performances at unique venues all throughout Columbia, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas we aim to stay true to our community-oriented and education-driven mission statement. At COLab, we go out of our way to showcase productions that make an impact, utilizing local talent and facilitating the creation of new works as well as adapting classics to have our special COLab Twist.

Our 2024 season has been full of exciting partnerships & opportunities!
Through our community auditions, we have cast over 30 artists (vocalists, accompanists, conductors, and more).

Spring & Summer 2024:
- Arts Administration Panel for Spark at The University of South Carolina School of Music, Columbia, SC
- Online educational series for Black History Month, International Women's Day, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
- Black Excellence In Opera at Ascension Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC
- Four Singers Walk Into A Bar at The Velo Fellow, Greenville, SC

Fall & Winter 2024:
- Pirates of Penzance Sing-A-Long Open Community Chorus Rehearsals at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, and Merrill Gardens in Columbia, SC
- 3rd Annual Pirates of Penzance Sing-A-Long at Columbia Music Festival Association, Columbia, SC
- Puccini Remembered: A Centennial Celebration at The Hoot, Columbia, SC
- Amahl and The Night Visitors at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Columbia, SC

Testimonials

"Thank you Columbia Operatic Laboratory for creating a fun, laid-back arts event in which the Columbia community can participate. " - Performer

"I love that COLab is a progressive and unique example of what it means to bring opera into the 21st venture. Their shows are fun, accessible, and engaging." - Audience Member

"I'm so impressed that they offer family-friendly events! Cocoa and carols with crafts, Sing-A-Long Pirates of Penzance with dress-up options, and the library kids' stories and opera - my kids are still singing about the worm!" - Audience Member