OPERANAUTS INC

Operanauts is dedicated to helping young people in Kinshasa heal from trauma and inspire future growth in the community through opera. The effects of violence and poverty continue to devastate and traumatize entire societies across Congo. Operanauts is dedicated to helping young people heal from this trauma and inspire future growth in their communities. Music has the power to transform us and provide the hope that vulnerable people need to thrive.

Operanauts, founded in 2013 by Joy Bechtler, is a US-based charity driving social change in Kinshasa, Congo, through opera. By creating healing environments, our programs help individuals recover from trauma, measured in Individual Hours of Healing (IHH). Our 2025/2026 goals include supporting 254 artists, achieving 2,500 IHH, and engaging 1,000 audience members annually.

Programs:

• JOY HAPPENINGS / JOY CONCOURS:A singing competition promoting lyrical arts while providing music education and performance opportunities for local musicians in Kinshasa.
• Opera Fellows Program: A year-long initiative to enhance participants' skills, leadership, and teaching abilities.
• Productions:Community-building performances featuring local talent and introducing opera to new audiences.
• Vision: Launch the first Opera Music Festival in Kinshasa by 2025/2026.

Achievements:

• Partnered with 428 musicians, artisans, and crew.
• Reached 288 youth annually.
• Produced three chamber opera performances.
• Created the short documentary *Fandango: Portrait of an Opera Workshop*, premiered at the 2023 New Jersey Film Festival.
• Hosted two editions of the "Joy Happenings" program in Kinshasa.

Through these initiatives, Operanauts transforms lives and strengthens cultural connections.