Material currently in this collection was previously housed in the vertical files, then in Coll. 235, the generic GRPL Michigan & Grand Rapids Music Collection. This collection includes information on later Grand Rapids organizations which perform or sponsor performances of which is today considered true opera. Light opera, operates, and musicals are documented primarily in Coll. 235, but may also occasionally be found in Coll. 216, the GRPL Ephemera Collections, or other music related collections.

Classical vocal performances sponsored by other institutions may be found in collections dedicated to those organizations, such as the St. Cecelia Club Collection, in Coll. 235 or 216 under programs or performances, and scattered throughout the archival collections according to the holdings received.

Grand Rapids Municipal Opera programs remain in Coll. 235, the GRPL Michigan and Grand Rapids Music Collection, since these document primarily popular musicals and light opera, rather than the Classical opera which is its definition today.