Regional opera companies are hard to come by these days — but not in Lancaster.

Opera Lancaster (formerly, the Lancaster Opera Company) has the distinction of being one of the few nonprofit, all-volunteer opera companies in the country.

Because of that, Rick Repkoe, the company's creative director, said Opera Lancaster has the potential to draw more visitors to the city.

"Opera companies in Reading and Harrisburg have collapsed," he said Wednesday. "That's something we're hoping to take advantage of, and already do in some ways.

"We've had people drive all the way from Baltimore just to sing with us, even though they're not getting paid," he said. "We have regulars who also sing with the Metropolitan Opera House, like John Darrenkamp.

"And as a strong regional entity, we can attract new talent from all over," Repkoe said, explaining that young hopefuls just out of college don't have many places to go for stage experience.

"Professional companies want to take on people with experience," he said. "And yet, the kinds of places to get that kind of experience are scarce.

"And overall, people are proud of Lancaster's artistic diversity — so it's important that we're here."

So, for Repkoe and his fellow OL supporters, keeping the organization alive is culturally significant, though incredibly challenging.

Fortunately, OL recently formed a working relationship with Franklin & Marshall College. The company will appear Sept. 11-14 at the college's Roschel Performing Arts Center, performing Giacomo Puccini's one-act operas "Suor Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi."

"It's sort of like a new home for us," Repkoe said. "We've played here before, but now our relationship is symbiotic in a way."

The facility's performing arts coordinator, Matthew Mazuroski, said OL's presence at F&M reinforces the relationship he hopes to foster between the community and the college.

"That's something we're trying to develop more fully," he said. "We get Rich's expertise as a vocal coach. He's going to help with the school's production of 'Cabaret.' And our students do work for the (opera company's) productions so they can learn."

Repkoe said OL is still able to maintain its rehearsal hall on West King Street — although it's difficult to raise enough money to pay all the bills.

"It's always more difficult with nonprofits, and we have no paid staff," Repkoe said. "We constantly have to raise money. I'd say between productions and bills, it takes about $75,000 a year to keep us going. Being in an artistically rich city like this is a blessing, but the downside is that we and all the other art groups are clamoring for the same money.

"After the Fulton (Opera House) underwent renovations, we were priced out and had to find a new place to put on shows," he said. "And Roschel is a beautiful place to perform."

Opera Lancaster changed its name in 2005, which is something people are still getting used to, Repkoe said.

"Some people still call us the Lancaster Opera Company, or some other kind of transmutation of the old name," he said, shrugging. "People will catch on sooner or later."

The opera company has a long history in Lancaster, originating with Frederick and Dorothy Robinson, a husband and wife team of voice teachers who moved their studio from Philadelphia to Lancaster in the 1940s to accommodate their students.

They quickly gained community support and, in 1952, held their first "informal evening of opera," accompanied only by piano. In 1960, the company put on a production of "Madame Butterfly" at the Fulton Opera House, accompanied by a full orchestra.

Soon after, the company (then called Lancaster Opera Workshop) purchased a vacant firehouse on West King Street for rehearsal, building sets and storing costumes.

The company was renamed Lancaster Opera Company in 1988 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in February 2002. Charlie Smithgall, mayor at the time, proclaimed Feb. 22, 2002, to be Lancaster Opera Company Day.

Four years later, Lancaster Opera Company reorganized and recommitted to its original mission: to produce opera with the best available local talent.

Mazuroski, who said he likes "some opera," praised the company for bringing the art form back to its roots.

"Opera had humble beginnings, but it turned into this kind of art where audiences have to be trained where to applaud and what to enjoy," he said. "Sometimes the world of opera is snobby, and OL isn't snobby at all."

Repkoe, who is also a personal chef, studied opera at Boston University and appeared in the Fulton's production of "Man of La Mancha" when he was 16.

On Wednesday, he demonstrated that he still has a finely trained set of lungs. Standing just outside the Roschel center, Repkoe belted out some Italian opera, startling a group of students nearby.

"Yeah, that's all training, diaphragm and pizza," he said, patting his stomach.

Repkoe said contrary to popular belief, opera hasn't fallen out of favor with young people.

"Young people who volunteer are what's keeping us alive," he said. "You know, I read somewhere that about 10,000 singers graduate every year from colleges around the country. A lot become teachers to support themselves. That's why I became a chef.

"But I'd never discourage a young person from pursuing opera," Repkoe said. "The journey is always worth it when it comes to the pursuit of art. Doing something you love is never a waste of time."

Tickets for Opera Lancaster can be purchased through the Roschel Performing Arts Center box office by calling 358-4858 or visiting www.fandm.edu/boxoffice.xml.

More information on shows is available at www.operalancaster.com.

E-mail: cdifonzo@lnpnews.com