More than half-a-century of artistic excellence and community engagement has made the Dallas Opera a major factor in the international cultural reputation of Dallas and a major contributor to the economic impact of the performing arts in North Texas. the Dallas Opera has presented many international stars in their American debuts, including Dame Joan Sutherland, Montserrat Caballé, Jon Vickers, and Plácido Domingo, as well as designer-director Franco Zeffirelli. A champion of new work, the Dallas Opera has also presented the American premieres of five operas and additional world premieres. Most recently, the company commissioned composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer to create a new opera based on Herman Melville's 19th century novel "Moby-Dick."