Indianapolis Opera: A Voice for Indy

Indianapolis Opera has been bringing operatic performances to Hoosiers since 1975. The company has had a long history of performing in Indianapolis and providing educational outreach programs for the community. We spoke with David Starkey, General Director of Indianapolis Opera, to learn more about opera in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Opera: A Voice for Indy

Since 1975, Indianapolis Opera has been providing the Hoosier community with compelling musical storytelling. With a rich performance history and a variety of programs, Indianapolis Opera is one of Indy’s integral arts organizations. Indianapolis Opera reaches 30,000 children and adults every year with regular concerts and educational outreach programming.

Indianapolis Opera performs at a variety of venues. While the opera is located at the Basile Opera Center, off of Pennsylvania St and many performances are held there, their 2017-18 season will hold performances all around town. These locations include the Hilbert Circle Theater, The Booth-Tarkington Theater at the Center for Performing Arts, and the Schrott Center for the Arts. General Director of Indianapolis Opera, David Starkey, calls this approach to programming “Opera all over town,” which is one of the ways the company can be sure to bring opera to several different communities in Central Indiana.

The performances by Indianapolis Opera feature both traditional opera works and modern operatic compositions. The 2017-2018 season will feature classics like La Traviata by Verdi, and The Magic Flute by Mozart, as well as the modern work South Pacific by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein.

Indianapolis Opera’s educational programs are “the longest running internal aspects of the institution,” according to Starkey. The company believes in education for all generations, which is why there are a variety of programs. One such program is the Residency Singer Program, an opportunity for young professionals to hone their skills and prepare for a life-long career in opera. The musicians who are chosen are trained through a mentorship program to improve their musical abilities and receive experience teaching the vocal arts to younger students. Another educational program is A Journey Through the Eras. In this program, musicians sing popular music from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Starkey believes the Indianapolis Opera is an important institution for Indianapolis. “Opera is not a cliché in this town. Opera here seems to be an absolute necessity of culture… Opera isn’t here because it’s something nice… It’s part of the fabric of our community.”

Whether you are an opera novice or a seasoned veteran, Indianapolis Opera is the perfect way to experience opera right here in Central Indiana. Be sure to visit the Indianapolis Opera website to stay up to date on their performances and learn more about witnessing the magic of opera!