THE THREEPENNY OPERA, THE GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST and More Set for Indianapolis Opera's 2013-2014 season

The Indianapolis Opera announces its 39th season: A combination of diverse and exciting new operas will be performed during Indianapolis Opera's upcoming season at both Clowes Memorial Hall and the Frank and Katrina Basile Opera Center. Three of the four productions will be IO debuts.

Indianapolis Opera also announces the transition of John Pickett from executive director into a consulting role. Pickett is a 16-year veteran of the company. Pickett's new role will officially begin July 1, 2013, and is part of a series of changes that reflect his leadership and planned changes for Indianapolis Opera that build from recent artistic triumphs, including The Flying Dutchman and Faust.

Pickett's vision led to the creation of the Basile Opera Center which allowed for expanded repertoire, including such critically acclaimed productions as Le Tragédie de Carmen and A Water Bird Talk. He first joined IO in 1990 to oversee development and marketing; he led the Edyvean Theater as Executive Producer from 1992 to 1995, then returned to IO as executive director in 1997 for 16 years of delivering the passion, drama and excitement of opera to Indiana.

"Serving 16 years as Executive Director of Indianapolis Opera has been an honor and a privilege," said Pickett. "As I reflect on the organization and my personal growth over the past years, I am rewarded with rich memories, deep lessons and lasting friendships. My heart is filled with gratitude for the many wonderful relationships developed among colleagues - artists and administrators, among opera family members and within the community."

For the near future, Artistic Director James Caraher will take on an expanded role, and Carol Baker, will act as Interim General Manager. "We thank John for his years of service and dedication to the Opera, and look forward to his continued involvement in a new role. The board is evaluating the current structure and will make recommendations for changes that will better support our mission of bringing the highest-quality professional opera to Indiana," said IO Board President Judy L. Woods. "Coming off the tremendous success of The Flying Dutchman, we are focused on the upcoming season and the exciting new productions we have planned," said Woods. "We have a strong staff of seasoned veterans and talented artists who will lead the company into another highly charged artistic season, the Opera's 39th," continued Woods.

Artistic Director Jim Caraher pointed to the acclaim and national attention IO has garnered for its multi-faceted and fresh productions under the direction of Affiliate Artist Joachim Schamberger, the achievements of so many individual artists, the impact of IO's outreach and education, and successful community collaborations, as well as Pickett's leadership. "The integrity of IO's artistic process and product are the richest reward" said Pickett. Caraher agreed and described the upcoming season as "an adventuresome and exciting season."

IO made it through the treacherous recession, just completed an extraordinary production of grand opera, and is exploring the expanded use of the Basile Opera Center, new opportunities for growth and audience development. IO's fabulously fun fundraiser "Lobsterpalooza" (an all-you-can eat fresh Maine lobster cooked on-site) is coming up September 21, 2013.

The Company's new productions explore the recent past, from the criminal mastermind story of The Threepenny Opera, to a holiday tradition of Amahl and the Night Visitors, to Puccini's Western, The Girl of the Golden West and the endlessly witty Albert Herring.

Season ticket packages are on sale now. Season subscribers will receive 20 percent off additional tickets and other conveniences. Discounts are available for seniors, military personnel and students. Packages start at $100. For more information on season ticket packages, visit www.indyopera.org. Single tickets go on sale Sept. 1, 2013.

Indianapolis Opera was founded in 1975 and is the only professional opera company in the state. James Caraher was appointed Music Director in 1981 and Artistic Director in 1995. In 2012, IO appointed stage director and designer Joachim Schamberger as an Affiliate Artist. Indianapolis Opera's 39th Season opens in October 2013 and is comprised exclusively of 20th century works.

To post a comment, you must register and login.