Indianapolis is known for many things: The Indianapolis 500, a vibrant jazz community and history, the Children’s Museum, the Colts, the Pacers, and the Indianapolis Symphony. Few people, however, are aware that Indy also features an accomplished opera company. This year the Indianapolis Opera, in partnership with Indiana University, will present the Phillip Glass masterpiece Akhnatan and it is only a week away.
Unfortunately for fans, opera has become quite a niche genre. Often pilloried as unapproachable at best and unintelligible at worst, opera has become the ugly stepchild of broadly ‘classical’ music. Akhnatan, along with compositions like John Adam’s Nixon in China, Wozzeck by Alban Berg or Michael Schelle’s Soap Opera, is a stunning example of old world form with a new world fashion. It is one of the few compositions of modern music that not only tackles the over-the-top form of opera with such flair that it not only interests but also captivates a casual listener and can turn them into a fan.
This production has actually been performed at Indiana University already. Reviews are available and the early returns are positive. Starring a liberal mix of undergraduate, graduate, and professional musicians, the Indianapolis Opera company promises a fascinating evening of magnificent story telling and virtual sensory overload that only a fine opera can provide.
Whether you consider yourself a fan of classical music, opera, live performance or art in general, you owe yourself a trip to the opera. Hosted at the unparalleled acoustic masterpiece that is Clowes Hall, tickets start at a mere $18 dollars and are sure to be available at the door. Readers are encouraged to use our comments field or your own social media sites to inspire attendance at this event and the other performances through the year. Enjoy the show.
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