South Texas Lyric Opera, Inc. was founded in 2005 as ProCantus Lyric Opera in order to bring the fine art of opera to the Rio Grande Valley.  Under the leadership of Maestro Mazias de Oliveira, the company has produced such memorable operas as Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana,  Pucinni’s La Bohéme, and Tosca, to Verdi’s La Traviata and Rigoletto. Since 2005, our beloved Christmas opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, has educated and entertained more than 7,000 students from across the Rio Grande Valley.    

South Texas Lyric Opera  also traditionally produces an annual spring and fall Gala.  Gala operas are held to help promote our vision and generate the funds necessary to continue bringing high quality arts and entertainment to south Texas.

Dr. de Oliveira earned his doctorate and completed his post-doctoral studies in Music, Opera Directing, and Production from Indiana University, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world of music.  He brings with him many years of experience performing as a tenor soloist, conductor, and director in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, his native country.  

The Board of Directors for South Texas Lyric Opera, Inc. is comprised of a varied group of established professionals from across the Rio Grande Valley.  Board members demonstrate their active commitment to enriching the quality and quantity of fine arts available in South Texas by acting as both administrators and chorus members  of the South Texas Lyric Opera.