MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE RECEIVES GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE MCGREGOR FUND

DETROIT, Michigan, April 13, 2007…Michigan Opera Theatre is pleased to announce that they have been chosen as the recipient of a $125,000 grant from The McGregor Fund. Funds from the grant will be used for general operations to support MOT’s outstanding opera, dance and educational programming.

The McGregor Fund is a private foundation established in 1925 by gifts from Katherine and Tracy McGregor “to relieve the misfortunes and promote the well-being of mankind.” The foundation awards grants to organizations in the following areas: human services, education, health care, arts and culture, and public benefit. The area of principal interest of the foundation is the City of Detroit and Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The McGregor Fund has granted approximately $170 million since its founding and had assets of $179 million as of June 30, 2006. Visit www.mcgregorfund.org for additional information.

Michigan Opera Theatre is the State of Michigan’s premiere opera company, which, through its commitment to producing the very best professional productions from the grand opera, opera, operetta, musical theater and ballet repertory, serves as statewide cultural resource. Founded and directed by internationally recognized impresario Dr. David DiChiera, Michigan Opera Theatre now ranks among the nation’s most successful opera companies.

Now celebrating its 36th season, Michigan Opera Theatre offers an essential, vibrant contribution to the quality of life of Detroit area residents and to communities throughout the region. This dynamic cultural resource exemplifies artistic excellence and innovation. Since its inception in 1971, Michigan Opera Theatre has offered Southeast Michigan outstanding mainstage repertory, ranging from the comedy of Mozart to the drama of Verdi to the Tony Award Winning verismo of Stephen Sondheim. In 2007, Michigan Opera Theatre has continued to bring the highest-quality artistic talent to the Detroit Opera House stage with noted ballet companies American Ballet Theatre and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, along with some of the world’s rising stars of opera in Turandot, Abduction from the Seraglio and Romeo & Juliet. The year 2007 for Michigan Opera Theatre will also be a groundbreaking one, as the company performs the world premiere of General Director David DiChiera’s opera, Cyrano.

Michigan Opera Theatre’s award-winning educational programs are recognized nationally. Under the guidance of noted educator and composer Karen VanderKloot DiChiera, Michigan Opera Theatre’s popular and successful Community Outreach Program has been lauded for bringing opera to communities in Detroit and throughout Michigan. Further, the Opera Company’s Education Department has taken the lead in providing performance pieces that both educate and entertain families and young audiences.

More information about Michigan Opera Theatre’s performances and programs can be found online at www.MichiganOpera.org.

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Contact

Rebekah Johnson
(313) 237-3403
rjohnson@motopera.org