Gail Simpson

Background

About Gail Simpson

Opera Frontier aims to produce opera/social commentary short films that matter. We seek connections with people who can see themselves in our films as activists, as care providers or recipients, or as collaborators in art that changes hearts and minds. All our projects repurpose familiar pieces from the classical/opera repertoire. Originally, we playfully incorporated dance or world music, or upended expectations about the context. But during Covid, Opera Frontier entered the world of film making with its first opera/social commentary film "Activist Aria: More Perfect Union", responding to the turmoil surrounding the civil unrest and divisive Presidential campaign. We garnered recognition from film competitions as well as an Anthem Award for “Civil and Human Rights Awareness”. Since 2023, we have prioritized projects that explore contemporary social issues, aiming to contribute to conversations about such things as homelessness, elder care, climate change, displacement/reparations and the democratic process. Our second film in the series will be released in 2025. Gail came to opera late in life, after working in rural development in Ethiopia, conducting social science research, starting an Inc 500 company and managing a nonprofit. When it was finally time to audition for roles, she looked at the stunning competition and noted that her qualifications would not earn her the roles she wanted to sing in local companies. Within months of founding Opera Frontier, she was putting on shows with some of the Bay Area’s most talented classical singers. Gail believes that under the right circumstances, the classical repertoire has the power to stir emotions and transform lives just as deeply as any other theatrical experience. Visit our website: or our YouTube Channel