Speight Jenkins, the man behind much of the magic that is Seattle Opera, was recently honored as one of the recipients of the 2011 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Opera Honors Award. The highest national award in opera, the honor comes with a $25,000 monetary award.
Jenkins, who has served as general director of Seattle Opera since 1983, was honored at a recent awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Watch a short video tribute produced by the NEA with Opera America.
Under Jenkins’ bold leadership, Seattle Opera has made immeasurable contributions to the world of opera and the city of Seattle. The company’s productions capture international acclaim, boost the economy and raise the profile of Seattle as a thriving center for the arts. The company’s popular Ring cycle draws people from around the globe.
The NEA Opera Honors celebrate visionaries and luminaries who, by making extraordinary contributions to opera in the United States, have become cultural treasures.
Hooray for Speight!
