named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
American Spirituals Concert
Annual concert featuring rising artists performing traditional and newly arranged American spirituals, honoring a foundational repertoire in Black musical heritage.
Benjamin Matthews Vocal Competition
Biennial national competition awarding over $20,000 in prizes across Young Artist and Emerging Artist divisions, serving as a career launchpad for under-represented singers.
Masterclass Series
High-level training series led by renowned artists such as Brian Stokes Mitchell, offering professional development to emerging opera talent.
OSHUN / Two Corners
New York premiere of two one-act operas by Jarrod Lee and B.E. Boykin, showcasing original works rooted in Yoruba mythology and personal narratives of Black friendship in the segregated South.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Music Awards and Honors Programs 2 activities
- Honors legacy artists who contributed to the organization's missionRecognizes and honors artists who have made significant artistic contributions to Opera Ebony’s legacy through dedicated tribute events or programming.
- Hosts the biennial Benjamin Matthews Vocal Competition and awards prizesOrganizes the Benjamin Matthews Vocal Competition every two years, featuring finalists across Young Artist and Emerging Artist divisions, and awards over $20,000 in prizes. Events have been held consistently since at least 2014, with documented competitions in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Hosts annual concert featuring winners of the Benjamin Matthews Vocal CompetitionPresents the Benjamin Matthews Vocal Competition Winners’ Concert annually, including a scheduled performance at Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem on September 20, 2026, showcasing top vocal talent from the competition.
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Professional Opera and Operetta Production 1 activity
- Presents public operatic and vocal performances showcasing underrepresented artistsProduces a regular season of operatic performances and concerts, including the New York premiere of original works such as OSHUN / Two Corners and the American Spirituals Concert, which feature rising artists and promote underrepresented voices in classical music. The organization plans a 2026–2027 performance season leading to a Spring 2028 re-debut.
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Arts Professional Advocacy & Equity Initiatives 1 activity
- Supports careers of underrepresented artists in opera and classical musicActs as a launchpad for underrepresented artists in opera and classical music, mentoring talent that has gone on to perform at major institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House. The organization also promotes women composers and librettists, a practice maintained since its founding.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$61K
Contributions & grants$61K99%
Program service revenue——
Investment income——
Other revenue$494
expenses
Total expenses$24K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$18K
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$43K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$41K
1 years on record · 2024–2024
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eldric Bashful | General Director | 35 | $18K |
board members · 4
- Dr Muhammad Hatim — Archivist, Board Member
- Louise Toppin — Board Member
- Marquita Lister — Artistic Director
- Reggie Allen — Board Chair
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- Authur Woodley Partner — Baritone who contributed to Opera Ebony through performance.
- Benjamin Matthews Partner — Founder and bass baritone who played a key role in establishing Opera Ebony.
- Camellia Johnson Partner — Soprano who performed with Opera Ebony and contributed to its artistic legacy.
- César Antonio Suárez Partner — Tenor who performed with Opera Ebony and contributed artistically.
- Everett Lee Partner — Maestro who contributed to the musical leadership of Opera Ebony.
- Harlem Presents / The Harlem Opera Festival Partner — Co-presents the Benjamin Matthews Vocal Competition Winners’ Concert with Opera Ebony.
- Hope Clarke Partner — Director and choreographer who contributed to Opera Ebony's productions.
- La Scala Partner — Artist development pathway with performers from Opera Ebony going on to perform at La Scala.
- LaRose Saxon Partner — Soprano who performed with Opera Ebony and supported its mission.
- Margret R. Harris Partner — Co-Founder and conductor instrumental in the artistic direction of Opera Ebony.
- Metropolitan Opera Partner — Artist development pathway with performers from Opera Ebony going on to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
- Royal Opera House Partner — Artist development pathway with performers from Opera Ebony going on to perform at the Royal Opera House.
- Sis. M. E. Sisson Partner — Co-Founder and mezzo who helped shape the organization's foundation.
- Willie Anthony Waters Partner — Maestro who provided musical leadership and artistic contribution to Opera Ebony.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Artist Development Through Competition and Performancemethodology: artist-development-platformBy providing vocal competitions and performance opportunities, we identify and launch the careers of under-represented opera singers, because early-career exposure and recognition are critical for breaking into the field.
- Cultural Legacy as Foundation for Inclusionmethodology: cultural legacy preservationBy celebrating the historical contributions of Black classical artists, we strengthen the operatic tradition and create a more inclusive field, because visibility of past excellence inspires future participation and challenges exclusionary norms.
- Diversity Enriches Artistic Excellencemethodology: diversity-enriches-artistic-traditionBy ensuring opera artists reflect the full diversity of American life, we strengthen the operatic tradition, because diverse perspectives deepen artistic expression and broaden cultural relevance.
- Mentorship Through Masterclass Engagementmethodology: masterclass-mentorshipBy connecting emerging operatic talent with renowned artists in masterclasses, we accelerate artistic growth and professional integration, because sustained mentorship builds both skill and industry networks.