Jonnet Solomon
Executive Director
About the National Opera House
Preserving a landmark
Building community through the transformative power of music, cultural heritage, education, performance, and historic preservation.
7101 Apple Street
The historic home of the National Negro Opera Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Who We Are
A center for Music, memory, and community.
01
Historic Preservation
Protecting the irreplaceable legacy of 7101 Apple Street.
02
Arts & Education
Creating pathways for learning, performance, and cultural celebration.
03
Community Gathering
Building a beacon of pride for Pittsburgh and beyond.
The National Opera House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration and revitalization of 7101 Apple Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - the historic home of the National Negro Opera Company.
We work to preserve this irreplaceable piece of American cultural history while creating vibrant programming that connects our community to the arts. Through education, performance, and historic preservation, we ensure that the pioneering spirit of this landmark continues to inspire future generations.
Our mission extends beyond bricks and mortar. We are committed to making the National Opera House a living center for music education, cultural celebration, and community gathering - a beacon of pride for Pittsburgh and a national symbol of African American achievement in the arts.
Leadership
Leadership & Board Members
A committed leadership team guiding the restoration, programming, preservation, and future activation of the National Opera House.
Khalif Ali
Board President
Jamila Bey
Board Member
Jonathan Oh
Board Member
DeAnna Davis
Board Member
Mary Cardwell Dawson
Founder of the National Negro Opera Company at 7101 Apple Street.
A National Treasure
The woman who built a stage when doors were closed.
In 1941, Mary Cardwell Dawson founded the National Negro Opera Company at 7101 Apple Street, creating the first permanent African American opera company in the United States. At a time when Black performers were systematically excluded from mainstream opera houses, Dawson dared to build her own.
A classically trained musician and educator, Dawson dedicated her life to providing opportunities for Black opera singers and musicians. The company performed at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera's venue at Madison Square Garden, and the White House, breaking barriers and proving that excellence knows no color.
The building at 7101 Apple Street served as the company's headquarters and a rehearsal space until Dawson's death in 1962. It remains the only surviving structure associated with the National Negro Opera Company.
Today, we carry forward Mary Cardwell Dawson's vision: that music belongs to everyone.
Support the National Opera House.
Join us in preserving this legacy for future generations. Whether through financial support, volunteering your time, or staying connected, every contribution makes a difference.