Indianapolis Opera

The Indianapolis Opera, known colloquially as IO, is a cornerstone of the performing arts community in Indiana. Established in 1975, it holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest professional opera company in the state. Throughout its 48-year history, the Indianapolis Opera has staged 159 productions and large-scale concerts, showcasing the works of 45 different composers, including a significant focus on 20th and 21st-century talents. Annually, the company reaches over 30,000 audience members across Indiana with its mainstage productions, educational initiatives, and outreach concerts. The mission of Indianapolis Opera is to educate, inspire, and entertain by creating and presenting musical storytelling that resonates with the diverse communities of Indiana. The company's programming reflects a commitment to diversity, offering a blend of classic opera, lyric musical theater, and contemporary works. This mix not only balances style and language but also represents the full spectrum of human experience, emphasizing opera as a unique art form that combines various artistic expressions. These include the classical human voice, music composition, poetry, theater, scenic design, costuming, and more, creating fully dimensional and impactful presentations. In 1989, the Indianapolis Opera established its Resident Artist Program, which has since worked with over 160 emerging artists who have gone on to grace the stages of the world's most renowned opera houses. As Indiana's sole professional opera artist development program, it provides a comprehensive training experience, with Resident Artists serving as ambassadors for the company by presenting performances and educational experiences throughout the region. In 2023, the Indianapolis Opera is experiencing a renaissance following a significant reorganization in 2015. This reorganization involved a comprehensive assessment of community needs and a restructuring of artistic and administrative operations. The result is a vibrant, flexible, and nimble organization that delivers unique and compelling opera experiences on a sustainable budget, evidenced by seven consecutive years of operating surpluses. The company has adopted a 21st-century business model that allows for scalability in production and programming, ensuring that each season features a mix of traditional and contemporary works. A key component of this renaissance is the Basile Opera Center (BOC), which became the official permanent home of the Indianapolis Opera after its purchase and renovation. The BOC, located at 4011 N. Pennsylvania Street in the historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood of Indianapolis, has been a hub for IO's education, outreach, artistry, and collaboration since 2009. The center, formerly the campus of the Greek Orthodox Church, has a rich history of community engagement and continues to serve as a cultural beacon in the region. The Indianapolis Opera is dedicated to championing the vocal arts in Indiana and fostering connections with audiences of all backgrounds. The organization is committed to showcasing the power and versatility of the human voice and increasing access to opera for all communities, affirming its role as an inclusive and multidisciplinary genre within the arts. For more information or to support the Indianapolis Opera, individuals can contact the Basile Opera Center at 4011 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205, call 317-283-3531, or email info@indyopera.org.