CONTACT:  Carol  Baker  OFFICE:  (317)  283-­‐3531  

E-­‐MAIL:  CBaker@IndyOpera.org    -­‐  FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE  -­‐    INDIANAPOLIS  OPERA  RECEIVES  SUPPORT  FROM  ALLEN  WHITEHILL  CLOWES  CHARITABLE  FOUNDATION,  INC.    Indianapolis,  IN  (June  3,  2015)  –  Indianapolis  Opera  is  pleased  to  announce  it  has  received  a  $70,000  grant  from  the  Allen  Whitehill  Clowes  Charitable  Foundation,  Inc.  These  funds  are  designated  to  support  operations  during  the  2015-­‐2016  season.    The  2015  –  2016  Indianapolis  Opera  season  showcases  new  productions  and  concerts,  including  a  U.S.  Premiere.  The  season  opens  in  August  with  The  Man  Who  Mistook  His  Wife  for  a  Hat  by  the  Oscar-­‐nominated  composer  Michael  Nyman  at  the  Schrott  Center  for  the  Arts  on  the  campus  of  Butler  University.  In  addition  to  mainstage  performances,  Indianapolis  Opera  delivers  engaging  opera  experiences  to  approximately  30,000  children  and  adults  statewide  each  year.    “Indianapolis  Opera  is  pleased  that  this  important  funding  partner  is  rejoining  us  in  supporting  our  mission.  This  is  yet  another  important  step  for  IO  as  we  gain  momentum  heading  into  our  new  season,”  said  General  Director  Kevin  Patterson      Allen  Whitehill  Clowes  Charitable  Foundation,  Inc.,  a  private  foundation,  was  established  by  Allen  W.  Clowes,  a  leading  philanthropist  in  Indianapolis,  Indiana,  who  during  his  life  made  major  contributions  to  various  charitable  organizations  that  promoted  or  preserved  the  fine  arts,  music,  literature,  education,  science  and  history.  The  mission  of  this  Foundation  is  to  support  charitable  organizations  that  were  supported  by  Mr.  Clowes  during  his  life  or  are  similar  to  those  supported  by  Mr.  Clowes.                                                                                                                                                                                      ###    About  the  Indianapolis  Opera  Since  1975,  Indianapolis  Opera  has  delivered  the  passion,  excitement  and  art  of  opera  throughout  Indiana  with  compelling  educational,  cultural  and  community  activities.  The  Indianapolis  Opera  Ensemble  program  reaches  30,000  children  and  adults  statewide  each  year,  with  additional  performances  in  Michigan,  Illinois  and  Kentucky.  In  2014,  the  company  embraced  an  intensive  organizational  assessment  process  to  examine  its  business  operations,  gather  audience  feedback  and  understand  community  needs  in  a  changing  environment.  One  of  several  outcomes  includes  the  hiring  of  Kevin  Patterson  in  February  2015  as  Indianapolis  Opera's  General  Director.  www.IndyOpera.org