Kentucky Opera to take on Beethoven challenge
Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, will launch the opera season in Louisville beginning in September. The performances will take place at the Kentucky Opera.
Fidelio proved to be a challenge for Beethoven, as his other compositions took a couple of years while Fidelio took 12 years to complete. The complicated opera has become a favorite amongst enthusiasts.
A highlight of the opera is the return of two popular singer-actors, Kay Shay Thomason and Jonathan Burton. Thomason is a soprano while Burton is a tenor. They performed in the 2012/13 production of Tosca showcasing their talent.
Founded by Moritz von Bomhard in 1952, the entity was designated as the State Opera of Kentucky 30 years later. The Louisville Orchestra performs for all shows, while the Louisville ballet performs on select occasions when classical dance is required for operas.
The Kentucky Opera is supported by ticket revenue and sponsors, along with the Fund for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council. Several fundraisers are held to assist with the finances, including Carnevale (a yearly car raffle) and Viva Voce.
With a beginning budget of a mere $10,000 in 1952, the Kentucky Opera now has an annual spend of $2.4m. Performing arts entities frequently contract with local print companies to handle catalog printing in order to depict the schedules and bios of the performers.
Performances are on September 19 and 21. Visit the Kentucky Opera website for more information.
Fidelio proved to be a challenge for Beethoven, as his other compositions took a couple of years while Fidelio took 12 years to complete. The complicated opera has become a favorite amongst enthusiasts.
A highlight of the opera is the return of two popular singer-actors, Kay Shay Thomason and Jonathan Burton. Thomason is a soprano while Burton is a tenor. They performed in the 2012/13 production of Tosca showcasing their talent.
Founded by Moritz von Bomhard in 1952, the entity was designated as the State Opera of Kentucky 30 years later. The Louisville Orchestra performs for all shows, while the Louisville ballet performs on select occasions when classical dance is required for operas.
The Kentucky Opera is supported by ticket revenue and sponsors, along with the Fund for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council. Several fundraisers are held to assist with the finances, including Carnevale (a yearly car raffle) and Viva Voce.
With a beginning budget of a mere $10,000 in 1952, the Kentucky Opera now has an annual spend of $2.4m. Performing arts entities frequently contract with local print companies to handle catalog printing in order to depict the schedules and bios of the performers.
Performances are on September 19 and 21. Visit the Kentucky Opera website for more information.