Our Team & Mission
Here at HOPERA we are all about empowering local artists and craft businesses by putting on quality, casual performances where Houstonians love to drink. We collaborate with the local craft beverage community to create original concerts and operas that come to you!
Our team is comprised of seasoned, professionals and musicians passionate about making good music and having a good time!
On our 2025 HOPERA of The Year: “It has been fantastic! An incredibly intimate performance at one of our favorite venues in Houston!”
Our Board
HOPERA is powered by a passionate and diverse team of artists, leaders, and visionaries dedicated to using music as a force for connection and community enrichment. From our talented performers and creative directors to our committed volunteers and advisors, every member of the HOPERA family brings unique expertise and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact. Together, we work to create transformative musical experiences that inspire and uplift, both on stage and beyond.
Get to know the individuals behind HOPERA’s mission and discover the heart and creativity that drive everything we do!
Megan Berti
Artistic Director & Founder
Mezzo-soprano Megan Berti is a Houston-based performer originally from California (yup, one of those!) who has sung with opera companies and orchestras from coast to coast and overseas…what an over-achiever. She sings often with Houston Grand Opera and has appeared at Opera in the Heights, Miami Lyric Opera, Painted Sky Opera, MUSIQA…the list goes on. (If you want to check out all the awesome things she’s sung and all the cool places she’s been, she’s got a website for that: www.MeganBerti.com.)
The idea for HOPERA was born from Megan’s love of opera and a passion for craft beer and liquor – they seemed like a match made in Hea–, well…Houston! I mean really, what could be a better pairing with craft opera than craft drink? Okay, craft cheese would be pretty great…but let’s be honest, there’s plenty of cheese in opera! And Houston, with its thriving community of artists and small businesses, is the perfect home for fine (if often cheesy) opera served with delicious small-batch beverages. Megan believes that opera is for everyone, that there’s an opera for everyone out there, and that it should be enjoyed with good friends and a glass (or two) of the good stuff! Cheers to you, and cheers to us, and we look forward to making Hopera a part of Houston!
Brennan Blankenship
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Native Houstonian Brennan Blankenship, soprano, is an exiting and versatile performer who has worked with companies across America and across the pond (also an overachiever). Her favorite recent roles include Violetta from La Traviata with Opera North, Krystyna Zwulska in Another Sunrise with Kentucky Opera, and Brittomara in the world premier of If I Were You with Merola Opera. She also enjoyed dipping her toe into musical theater with Opera North’s Carousel, and plans to do it more often! She has also been seen on the stage with Opera Idaho, Louisville Ballet, Opera in the Heights, the Minnesota Oratorio Society, the Northern Lights Festival, and others. In between singing engagements, she has also run a successful voice studio for 12 years and counting.
Brennan has always enjoyed fantasizing about running her own company, but never followed through until Megan approached her with the amazing idea for what is now HOPERA. Obviously, Brennan thought it was terrific, and immediately got on board. While she may be a tad pickier about her beer than Megan (and cheese, if we’re being honest), she is excited to revolutionize how people enjoy opera and bring it to relaxing and enjoyable venues.
Ashley Duplechien
Director of Marketing & Dev. & Co-Founder
From belting out the alto solos in Verdi’s Requiem to rocking the title role in La Cenerentola, Ashley’s vocal range is as diverse as her taste in career paths. As Fiordiligi in Cosi, she can charm audiences with her voice just as easily as she can sarcastically comment on the lack of good coffee backstage. Known for her agile voice and unique style, Ashley is a force to be reckoned with – on stage and in any heated debate about the most sustainable biofuel. Who says you can’t save the world and sing your heart out at the same time?
Corey Phelps
Director of Design & Co-Founder
Corey Phelps is a Houston-based designer who has always had a love for drawing and creating. He began drawing at a young age when he found out that being a Superhero wasn’t a real job, and so instead, drew himself as one. This love of drawing combined with a strong, introverted personality led him to harness the power of art and design as an architectural designer. After graduating from THE Ohio State University (yes, the “THE” is necessary) and Rice University, Corey has worked at several Houston-based firms, including Kinneymorrow, Huit-Zollars, and now Perkins & Will.
Corey’s love for buildings has not stopped him from designing and drawing other stuff on the side, however, so when Megan asked him to design the graphics for her company, he couldn’t wait to help! It probably helps that he likes beer and music, too!
Rene Salazar
Operations Manager & Co-Founder
Rene is a violinist by trade, serving as principal violist of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet orchestras since 2004. He loves playing chamber music and long walks on the beach, but is also an avid mediocre online gamer who enjoys getting back to his Mexican roots by eating breakfast tacos for dinner. With all these high level credentials, many may forget that this is NOT his first go around in the non-profit world of small opera companies here in Houston.
After serving on the board of Opera Vista for 6 years, Rene went dormant from this life; but like Luke being approached by Rey about entering back into the life, he said, “Eh, do I have to?” and Megan sai “Yes! You HAVE to!” So now his limited expertise is finally being used for something! Good thing he LOVES opera and beer!
Wide Angle Creative
Social Media Team
Wide Angle Creative is an award-winning Houston-based, woman-owned, LGBTQ-certified agency specializing in branding, design and content strategy. With a strategy-led approach, they combine insight and design to help mission-driven organizations grow with meaning, momentum and measurable results. Wide Angle’s work blends storytelling and strategy to create purposeful experiences that connect audiences and spark lasting impact. Learn more at wideangleideas.com.
HOPERA Advisory Board members Alicia Gates and Heather McKinley lead this premier creative and communications team. HOPERA is lucky enough to have Wide Angle Creative share their time and services with us!
Our Advisory Board
The HOPERA Advisory Board is a group of dedicated professionals and community leaders who provide guidance and support to help us achieve our mission. Their expertise, passion, and commitment to the arts and community enrichment ensure that HOPERA continues to grow and create a lasting impact. With sincere gratitude we would like to acknowledge the following advisory board members:
Dr. Christopher Besch, Heather McKinley, Alicia Gates, Caitlin Cromblehome, Darcee Grice, Dani Teumou-Valdez, and Emily Kelly.
Caroling at Texas Children's Hospital
A Giving Tuesday Campaign
This Giving Tuesday, HOPERA is spreading joy and making a difference! In December, our volunteers will bring the magic of music to young patients at Texas Children’s Hospital, caroling through the halls to fill the space with warmth, hope, and harmony.
Stay tuned for donation details!
Have you heard about our community engagement?
HOPERA is deeply committed to fostering meaningful connections within our community by partnering with local non-profits. Through these collaborations, we aim to amplify our shared mission of service, spreading hope, and creating positive change. By combining the transformative power of music with the efforts of other organizations, we can enrich lives and bring joy to those who need it most. Together, we’re building a stronger, more united community here in Houston