Indianapolis Opera facts for kids
| Formation | 1975 |
|---|---|
| Type | Theatre group |
| Purpose | Opera |
| Location |
|
|
Artistic director(s)
|
David Craig Starkey |
The Indianapolis Opera is a special music group in Indianapolis, Indiana. It's the only professional opera company in Indiana! Each year, they put on many amazing shows. They also help young singers start their careers through a special program. David Craig Starkey is the General Director, and Michael Schultz is the Board President. You can find old photos and materials from the Indianapolis Opera at the Indianapolis Public Library.
Discovering Indianapolis Opera's History
The Indianapolis Opera started in 1975. Since then, they have put on 109 different opera shows. These shows feature music from 32 different composers. Some of these composers wrote music in the 1900s.
The opera company performs many kinds of shows. They do famous operas that everyone knows. They also perform new or less common works. They make sure to include different music styles and languages. They also balance funny stories with sad ones.
The Frank and Katrina Basile Opera Center
In 2008, a local business person named Bill Oesterle bought a building. It was the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in the Meridian-Kessler area of Indianapolis. He then let the Indianapolis Opera use it.
The opera company used this building for many things. They held rehearsals there to practice their shows. They also ran educational programs. Sometimes, they even put on smaller performances in the building. Since 2015, the opera has been performing at the Schrott Center for the Arts. This center is on the campus of Butler University.
Fun Educational Programs
The Indianapolis Opera has special programs to teach people about opera. Their group, the Indianapolis Opera Ensemble, travels around. They visit places in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Kentucky.
These programs reach about 30,000 kids and adults every year! They also have other cool programs. These include the Resident Artist program and "Opera's Rising Stars." The "Rising Stars" program is done with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
The opera also holds special events each year. One event is called Lobster Palooza. It helps raise money for the opera and its educational programs. They also have an annual opera ball.
