Our mission
The effects of violence and poverty continue to devastate and traumatize entire societies across Congo. Operanauts is dedicated to helping young people heal from this trauma and inspire future growth in their communities. Music has the power to transform us and provide the hope that vulnerable people need to thrive.
90%
of Congolese youth show signs of Post Traumatic Stress
$562
is the average annual income across Congo
6 million
lives claimed by two decades of war in Congo
WHAT WE DO
Operanauts’ opera-related initiatives tackle the bleak reality of life in Kinshasa head-on. Our programs directly target the Kinshasa community to promote a healing environment for people to grow and recover from their trauma. These initiatives include our Opera Fellows program, our annual Opera Music Festival and our Opera-Making program that commissions opera productions in Kinshasa.
OUR GOAL
Survivors in Congo have experienced mass killings, rape and many other forms of severe trauma. Due to the complexity of this environment, the youth are at a greater risk of struggling to develop empathy and compassion toward themselves and others. Our goal is to unite the people of Kinshasa and end the cycle of violence and poverty through opera music. We believe that investing in the skill, training, and development of musicians and artists will strengthen the future of the arts in Kinshasa and contribute to their shared dignity and beauty.
“Music…can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”
LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Our programs
Opera Music Festival
We are currently raising funds to organize the first annual Opera Music Festival in Kinshasa, Congo, to take place in 2022.
Opera Fellows
Our Opera Fellows benefit from a year long program to develop their skills, leadership and teaching abilities to create future opportunities.
Opera-Making
Our productions build community spirit in Kinshasa by hiring local musicians and providing a new experience for many audience members.
Our programs
Opera Music Festival
We are currently raising funds to organize the first annual Opera Music Festival in Kinshasa, Congo, to take place in 2022.
Opera Fellows
Our Opera Fellows benefit from a year long program to develop their skills, leadership and teaching abilities to create future opportunities.
Opera-Making
Our productions build community spirit in Kinshasa by hiring local musicians and providing a new experience for many audience members.
Make a donation to support Operanauts