Melody Chang Joins Opera Orlando as Marketing & Sales Manager

As Opera Orlando kicks off its 10th Anniversary season, the Company is excited to announce the hiring of Melody Chang as the Company’s first-ever marketing and sales manager. Hailing from Spokane, WA, Ms. Chang has extensive experience in the performing arts industry as a performer, administrative professional, and arts advocate. She will be leading marketing, box office, and front-of-house operations, working under general director Gabriel Preisser and artistic director Grant Preisser.

“After an extensive search last season, we were thrilled to finalize our new marketing lead Melody Chang over the summer and welcome her to Orlando for our 10th Anniversary season,” stated Gabriel Preisser. “She brings with her extensive experience in the opera and performing arts field and has already proven to be a valuable addition to our team helping us sell out our final performance of La Bohème earlier this month.”

Ms. Chang’s previous notable roles include director of marketing and interim general director of Inland Northwest Opera and communications and marketing director for Spokane Valley Summer Theatre and the Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center. She currently serves as the executive director of the Asian Opera Alliance, whose mission is to advocate for greater Asian representation in opera while striving for broader equity. In 2021, she created the Chang Heaton Scholarship for Music Excellence to award five first-generation college students studying music or theatre with unrestricted funds for items required for their degrees. As a leader in the industry, Ms. Chang has been applauded for blending her expertise in marketing and ticketing, as well as her comprehensive approach to consulting with opera companies. 

“Opera is a nuanced product, and Melody’s experience in the art form from both an artistic and administrative point of view makes her a perfect fit for this role,” says Grant Preisser. “She has quickly understood the culture of the company, while bringing a fresh perspective to the staff, having just moved to Orlando herself. I am excited to work with her in promoting all of our offerings this season, and I know our artists and singers will appreciate her knowledge of opera and her sensitivity to the work they do so effortlessly on stage.”

Ms. Chang holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Washington State University and her most recent notable roles include Bloody Mary in South Pacific, Eddie/Edwin in Earth to Kenzie, and Wanda in Escape to Margaritaville. “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Opera Orlando,” shares Ms. Chang. “I have been greatly impressed by the artistic initiative taken by the Company in platforming often-underrepresented demographics, reflecting the diverse audiences that Opera Orlando attracts today.” 

For more information about her advocacy and past accomplishments, visit this link.

On January 16, 2016, Florida Opera Theatre announced its rebrand to Opera Orlando, and the Company is celebrating all year long as it now turns 10. From its humble first season with just $500,000 in annual revenues to now surpassing $3 million last season, the Opera has grown from just two full time staff members and two productions to now over ten full time staff members and six productions each season, featuring over 150 artists, designers, musicians, and crew each season.

Join the party and enjoy a season full of grand opera and special events. Individual tickets for Opera Orlando’s 10th Anniversary season are on sale now and start at just $39 inclusive of all venue fees. Tickets for its MainStage offerings are available exclusively through the Dr. Phillips Center’s Bill & Mary Darden Box Office (445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando), online at www.DrPhillipsCenter.org or by calling (407) 839-0119, ext. 0.

See YOU at the Opera!

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