Four months after moving productions to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, MIOpera has pulled the remainder of its season from the downtown Bloomington venue.
Performances of “Don Giovanni,” “A Christmas Carol” and the previously rescheduled “Romeo and Juliet” have been canceled and tickets refunded, the BCPA confirmed.
In a statement on its website, MIOpera said the organization is moving in a new direction, including “a new era of innovative theatrical performances, new venues and a fresh perspective into the world of opera.”
The 12-year-old organization founded by local voice instructors John and Tracy Koch launched as an opera institute for young artists. They rebranded as a professional company in 2019 and are currently the only year-round professional theater in Bloomington-Normal.
After a couple seasons at Heartland Community College’s Astroth Community Center, MIOpera moved to the BCPA hoping to capitalize on its increased production capability and closer access to nightlife. They produced one show in the 1,200-seat venue under an arranged box office split.
MIOpera will participate in a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Nov. 12. Soloists Madison King, Signey Megeff, Macauley Allen and Patrick Scully will be joined by members of the Illinois State University Civic Chorale and the First United Methodist Church of Normal Choir.
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