[2] The Center for Contemporary Opera has staged the premieres of many works written during the latter half of the twentieth century.
In line with its mission to promote an interest in new operatic and music-theater culture among the American public, the company presents panel discussions and colloquia, and publishes a bi-annual newsletter Opera Today.
[4] Since 2004, the company has been a regular participant in the New York City Opera's annual festival, "Vox: Showcasing American Composers".
[5] The company was founded in 1982 by Richard Marshall, formerly the head of the Charlotte Opera Association in North Carolina where he had commissioned, produced and conducted the world premiere of Robert Ward's Abelard and Heloise.
[8] The composer, author and music critic Eric Salzman was named Artistic Director, and served in this role until 2012, when he became the company's Composer-in-Residence until his death in 2017.