Ben Robinson Reflects Louisville as Family with Kentucky Opera

By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Matt Johnson

Last November, Ben Robinson returned to Kentucky Opera, this time as General Director and CEO, and never counting the hours since. In the 26-27 season, he’s showing us the possibilities of what opera can be.

Robinson first found the Kentucky Opera as a Studio Artist for a season, which he credits for launching his 11-season singing career. From there, music took him all over–to Anchorage Opera in Alaska, Lyric Fest in Philadelphia, and Raylynmor Opera in New Hampshire. He learned directing is his happy place in Ithaca, remotely filming a 1918 ensemble comedy opera but set during the pandemic. “It became an international success, being seen by an audience in 8 different countries and 33 states. It was my first project that really got notice, and ultimately led to me getting hired in Alaska. Creativity really starts kicking in when the ideas get big and the money runs out.”

Fostering collective human experiences through pursuing live performance is central to Robinson’s mission, especially in a world forcing us into individual, personalized “human on a phone” experiences. “There's no protective barrier. This didn't go through the extensive editing process. This is happening, warts and all, mistakes and all, brilliance and all, in real time without a filter. It's not being brought to you electronically; it's being offered to you by human beings. This creates that sense of wonder. Live theater of any kind should surprise you and take you to a place that makes you feel special. We’re launching our season with The Barber of Seville, and that should make you feel joy, and you will laugh over and over again. There’s nothing in it heavier than a feather, yet it’s propulsive, thrilling, and inspiring.” The hilarious and talented cast will feature greats like Ming Hao Liu.

Specifically for Robinson, he hopes audiences redefine everything they thought opera was, as it lives in perpetual “perception patrol,” fighting preconceived notions of being old, stuffy, and in a language most don’t understand. Having shared experiences alongside an audience provides an immediate response and impacts the perceptions of everyone in the room. “We have to let everybody know that there's safety and a place where you can find humor and joy, collective humanity, and shared experiences.” The Awakenings series serve as one example, meant to draw attention to current community issues, good or bad, and bring in a panel to offer different perspectives and discuss how opera still relates to these subjects even 400 years later. 

Whether he’s meeting people to advocate for the organization, writing grants, or directing in the rehearsal room, Robinson feels at home in the role he serves. “It’s beautiful, overwhelming, and oh so satisfying. I feel very lucky because you don't always get to come into a new company and actually put your handprint on anything for a couple or seasons. This season, I feel so proud of everything that we're doing.” 

Kentucky Opera is returning to its roots in ways, heading back to Brown Theater and Whitney this season, but still defying expectations and changing perceptions with new unique sites like the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, where the audience will physically move to new scenes during the show. In November, Kentucky Opera’s Song Week will showcase three different programs about women who can no longer tell their own stories. There’s a very unserious holiday cabaret in store, as well as Salomé with our own Louisville Orchestra. Robinson sees promise in collaborating with peer organizations like Louisville Orchestra and Louisville Ballet, ultimately strengthening the organization and helping to build projects of increasing national relevance.

Louisville’s small-but-mighty arts scene sets the 74 year-old Opera Company up for strong community support and upward growth. “Louisville is the perfect backdrop. There’s a sense of tradition here, and a sense of occasion. It’s a city that likes big events.” But the goal isn’t to duplicate what you might see in New York or other major arts cities. Robinson sets out to tell the story of Louisville and create something truly Louisville from the ground up, with dreams of exporting. “We're telling their stories and reflecting our community. We’re surprising them all season long, and we're collaborating and shining a spotlight on other really worthy organizations. And it feels like it's creating this big, happy family. It’s the ultimate hug.” 

Don’t miss Il barbiere di Siviglia on October 9th and 11th! Find tickets at kyopera.org.