Cultural Enhancement

A state or nation’s quality of life is measured by more than its Gross Domestic Product; cultural experiences are needed to enrich people’s lives. Unfortunately, access to high culture becomes difficult and expensive outside the big cities, and poverty further lessens access. Much of Kentucky is rural, and many Kentuckians have standards of living that preclude experiences with the arts, particularly opera.

The UK Opera Theatre/Lexington Opera Society Opera Outreach Program, headed by Everett McCorvey of the UK College of Fine Arts, takes opera to Kentucky students and communities that may not otherwise have opportunities to experience it. The UK Opera Theatre holds performances primarily for K – 6 children but also for many communities, particularly in eastern Kentucky and the most remote areas of the state. The program's ultimate goal is to increase the impact of the fine arts and art in general within the Commonwealth, providing improvements to the quality of life across the state.

Actions and Outcomes to Date

Working with Keeneland, the Hollywood Suites by Hilton, Extended Stay America, the Lexington Opera Society, the Campbell House Crown Plaza, and Stites and Harbison, the project was funded on an interim basis at a level that funded the traveling cast, stage manager, and pianist for over 200 performances. These performances have occurred in Anderson, Boone, Bourbon, Bullitt, Campbell, Christian, Clark, Fayette, Green, Greenup, Hardin, Harrison, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Laurel, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Oldham, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Shelby, Taylor, Todd, Warren, Whitley, and Woodford counties.

Audience response to the performances has been very enthusiastic, and most schools where performances have been held have requested repeat visits.

Perhaps most important, William E. And Casiana Schmidt of Sarasota, Florida, have provided a $250,000 endowment for Opera Outreach. This gift will allow the program to continue offering opera experiences to Kentucky K – 6 students and communities in perpetuity.