SAN ANTONIO, TX.- On Thursday, January 30, Marc Scorca, President and CEO of OPERA America, addresses the topic of Why Opera Matters, as part of the McNay's 2014 Distinguished Lecture Series.

Working as the CEO and President since 1990, Scorca has furthered the mission and reach of OPERA America, an advocacy group established in the 1970s dedicated to supporting the creation, presentation, and enjoyment of opera in the United States and abroad. Scorca oversaw the organization's relocation from Washington DC to New York City in 2005 and the construction of The National Opera Center in 2012, which is a space for both organizations and individual artists to hold auditions, rehearsals, and recordings.

Scorca is also currently a member of the U.S. delegation to UNESCO and serves as an officer of the board of the Performing Arts Alliance, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Music Advisory Board of Hunter College (CUNY). Scorca attended Amherst College where he graduated with high honors in both history and music.

Scorca's lecture coincides with the opening of Constructing the Stage: Artists from the Theatre Collection, which features more than 20 maquettes (stage models) from various operas, musicals, and plays.

According to Jody Blake, Curator of the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts at the McNay, "The exhibition demonstrates the vitality of contemporary opera in America and Europe. So, the timing with Marc's lecture is perfect."

Tickets to the lecture are available for McNay members for free and nonmembers for $10. Educators and students with an I.D. are $5, with space reserved for two SAY Sí students. To reserve space, email education@mcnayart.org or call 210.805.1768 by noon on January 29.