Changemaker Speaker Series debuts with National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry at Wheeler Opera House

The Wheeler Opera House will kick off its Changemaker Speaker Series with a captivating presentation by award-winning National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry. 

Skerry will bring his remarkable underwater adventures to life in Ocean Soul — an inspiring and visually stunning exploration of Earth’s oceans, according to a press release. The event is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17.

With over 40 years of experience diving beneath the waves, he has documented nearly every underwater ecosystem across all seven continents, according to the press release. His presentation blends breathtaking photography from National Geographic magazine features with behind-the-scenes footage of the extraordinary effort required to capture these images. Ocean Soul unveils the beauty, mystery, and fragility of marine life while highlighting the pressing need for conservation.

“Earth is an ocean world,” he said in a press release. “Through the lives of marine animals and ecosystems, we see global threats and find hope in solutions that nurture the sea’s resiliency.”

Skerry’s career includes over 12,000 hours underwater and more than 30 National Geographic stories — seven of which graced the magazine’s cover, according to the press release. His powerful imagery has inspired the creation of marine protected areas and influenced critical legislation for ocean conservation. 

Following his presentation, attendees will have the chance to meet Skerry in The Vault lobby, where his books, “Ocean Soul” and “Secrets of the Whales,” will be available for purchase and signing.

The Changemaker Speaker Series, presented in collaboration with Changemaker Talent, features renowned individuals who use their expertise to inspire and promote global awareness. This inaugural event highlights the Wheeler Opera House’s commitment to hosting thought-provoking programs that address the challenges facing our planet.

Tickets for Ocean Soul are available at the Wheeler box office, located at 320 E. Hyman Ave. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 970-920-5770 or online at aspenshowtix.com.

Upcoming Changemaker events and performances:

• Brian Regan, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29
• Tom Papa, 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2
• Steep Canyon Rangers, 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3 
• Peter Hillary: 70 Years of Everest, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7
• Dog Man The Musical, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8
• Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11
• DanceAspen: Ember Glow, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16
• Counterpoint: Conrad Tao & Caleb Teicher, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18
• Paul Reiser, 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20
• Colin Cloud: Mastermind, 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21
• Adonis Puentes & The Voice of Cuba, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23
• John Oates: An Evening of Songs & Stories, 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28
• John Oates: Folk, Blues, R&B, and the Songs That Made Me, 7 p.m., Saturday, March 1

For more details on upcoming performances, visit wheeleroperahouse.com.