Model Behavior 2022: Cheryl Slay Carr, Nashville Opera Company

Before Cheryl Slay Carr, associate dean and professor in the college of music business at Belmont University and a self-proclaimed operaphile, moved to Nashville, she watched the Nashville Opera Company perform the world premiere of “Elmer Gantry” during a visit to the city and fell in love with the organization. When she moved here the next year, she started the Nashville Opera & Classical Music Meetup group for newcomers to classical music. That was the prelude to her own journey with the Nashville Opera.

After arranging to have a member of the Opera give an “Opera 101” talk to her meetup group, she was invited by the organization to serve on a focus group. In 2018, she officially joined the Friends of Nashville Opera, formerly known as the Nashville Opera Guild, and was invited to join the board of directors in 2019. During her time on the board so far, she has founded the Committee for Artistic & Social Impact, moderated workshops for the Opera’s educational programs and served on the organization’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Cheryl is highly discerning when choosing where she devotes her time, and she truly believes in the values practiced by the Nashville Opera and its artistic director, John Hoomes. “In an era [in which] organizations sometimes give lip service to being inclusive, I see Nashville Opera practicing inclusivity in an authentic, intentional way. Beautiful art can come from that kind of authentic inclusivity.” After serving her time as vice president of the board, she is preparing to begin her tenure as board president later this fall.

Nashville Opera Company

Nashville Opera strives to inspire a lifelong interest in opera and engage learners of all ages in thoughtful, educational programs by making the performing arts available to all, regardless of age, location or income.

Jewelry: Charles Krypell Precious Pastel diamond leif hinge bangle; Charles Krypell oval diamond line bracelet (Diamond Cellar)