Opera Carolina is a professional opera company in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1948 by the Charlotte Music Club as the Charlotte Opera Association, the company was renamed Opera Carolina after its 1986 merger with North Carolina Opera which combined the main stage, educational, and touring operations of the two companies. Its past leadership has included Artistic Directors Richard Marshall and Charles Rosekrans, and General Director James Wright. From 2000 to 2023, Opera Carolina has been under the direction of General Director and Principal Conductor James Meena. July 1, 2024 Dr. Shantè Williams is appointed new General Director. In May 2025 Stefano Vignati is appointed Music Director & Principal Conductor. Claudio Ferri is the artistic director and Deputy General Director.