Here’s a venue that may not look like much from the outside, but it’s one of the hidden gems of the American opera scene. This is the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, known as “The Ellie.” It’s named after Ellie Caulkins, a passionate local patron who dedicated herself to making opera thrive in Denver. Thanks to her commitment and support, the city now has an opera house that rivals those in major cultural capitals. Opera in Denver goes back to the late 19th century, when touring companies performed in makeshift wooden theaters or the old municipal auditorium built in 1908. Today’s opera house was actually born within the walls of that very building. Completely redesigned and modernised, it reopened in 2005, striking a rare and elegant balance between classic grandeur and cutting-edge technology. Step inside and you’re transported to a red and gold horseshoe-shaped hall, seating for 2,200, acoustics with remarkable clarity, and high-tech stage equipment, including supertitles projected above the stage, so you can follow the story even if you don’t speak Italian or German. This is the home of Opera Colorado, which presents a mix of beloved repertoire and bold contemporary works. If you ever find the doors open, step in for a peek, and treat yourself to a performance if you get the chance.