Long before the passion for opera ignited the concept of Tulsa Opera in 1948 with founders Bess Gowans, Beryl Bliss, Mary Helen Markham, and Ione and Ralph Sassano, the desire for this art form in "Tulsey Town" was glowing in the heart of city founders. L. J. Martin, president of the Commercial Club in 1905 claimed that "Of course, we did not have any sewers, street paving, parks or sidewalks and not much of a water system, but these facilities were luxuries and could wait, whereas an opera house loomed as an immediate necessity."

The spirit, drive and fierce sense of pride of those who made Tulsa boom into an important city rich in commerce and industry also encouraged and sustained a rich cultural heritage, leading to the formation of the Tulsa Opera Club on December 1, 1948.

As opera continued to grow in popularity, so did the organization. In 1951, the directors agreed that the name "Tulsa Opera Club" sounded too amateurish to be taken seriously as a legitimate regional opera company. On April 21, a new charter was obtained and the organization became "Tulsa Opera Incorporated," the title by which it is still officially known.

Tulsa Opera presented light operas and operettas twice yearly until November of 1955 when a major milestone was reached. With its presentation of Madama Butterfly, featuring imported professional singers for all principal roles, Tulsa Opera successfully completed the transition to grand opera and made a giant step toward national prominence.

Today, Tulsa Opera, the 18th oldest opera company in North America, is ranked among the top ten regional opera companies in the United States. Under the artistic leadership of Carol I. Crawford, the Company presents three grand opera productions each season, with a commitment toward American and 20th Century repertoire. Mainstage productions are held at Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The Tulsa Youth Opera, inaugurated in 1997, is part of the Tulsa Opera’s extensive educational outreach program.

Performances and education programs are provided to the greater Tulsa area, with additional education and outreach programs provided for both adults and children statewide. Tulsa Opera draws its audiences from a five state region that includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas.

Tulsa Opera is fortunate to have almost 700 dedicated volunteers drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds. Its Board of Directors is currently comprised of 55 men and women who represent various businesses and organizations in Oklahoma. They have a passion or appreciation of the arts as well as a dedication to the betterment of Oklahoma. All volunteers work in conjunction with a knowledgeable professional staff to sponsor and coordinate activities ranging from the Tulsa Opera Chorus, education programs that receive assistance from the Guild of Tulsa Opera, and fundraising events that involve Board, Guild, and additional community volunteers.