Jim Swiggart, General Director of Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point has had a distinguished career in music education and has served as General Director since 1989. Jim feels that working under Dr. Isaac Van Grove and his dedicated staff for 5 summers at Opera in the Ozarks created musical values that shaped every musical moment of his life.
Music degrees in voice and trombone from Oklahoma City University, Masters Degree from Wichita State University and Doctoral work at Oklahoma University has shaped his career and created a desire to enable young artist in their quest for experience and knowledge.
The standards of excellence and opportunity at Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point has been supported by patrons and the South Central region of The National Federated Music Clubs since the first season in 1950 when Dr. Henry Hobart of Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma established a summer festival where the students would sing all the roles in productions.
Alumni have served their art in the major opera houses, orchestras, and educational institutions and Jim continues that tradition today by assisting our young artists in the launching of their music career.
Jim, during "Opera Talk" session with audience, prior to performance
A cover shot of a young Jim Swiggart (Robin) and Marion posing for a picture after a performance of "Robin and Marion" in San Diego in 1959. To see more photos of the early days of Opera in the Ozarks, Click Here
