The Opera House Fund, the philanthropic group that spearheaded the restoration and triumphant reopening of the Lexington Opera House in 1976, has announced BRAVOH!, a weeklong celebration marking two major milestones: the theater’s 140th birthday and the 50th anniversary of its renovation.

First opened in 1887, the Lexington Opera House has long served as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life, hosting generations of touring artists, local performers, and community organizations. BRAVOH! aims to honor that legacy with a series of special events highlighting the Opera House Fund’s decades of support for the arts.

A Week of Performances and Tributes

BRAVOH! will feature three marquee events that reflect the Fund’s mission and the Opera House’s enduring role in the community:

• Opening Premier Event — Sunday, May 10:
  Three-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters headlines an intimate evening of music and storytelling, paying homage to five decades of Broadway at the venue. The Lexington Theatre Company will open the night with a commemorative performance.
• Local Arts Spotlight — Wednesday, May 13:
  A collaborative showcase featuring local arts organizations supported by the Opera House Fund. These groups, each with educational outreach at the heart of their missions, will celebrate 50 years of artistic partnerships and community impact.
• Symphony of Sound — Friday, May 15:
  The Lexington Philharmonic and The Lexington Singers join forces to present Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare, a work symbolizing hope and renewal. Kentucky-born, Grammy-nominated violinist Tessa Lark will also perform a piece inspired by the Bluegrass region.

Honoring the Opera House Fund’s Legacy

Founded in 1974 to save the Opera House from demolition, the Opera House Fund has spent five decades ensuring the theater remains a vibrant cultural hub. As a 501(c)(3), the Fund has subsidized local productions, supported touring artists through its Broadway Live and Variety Live series, and invested in ongoing preservation efforts. Its longstanding partnership with the Lexington Center Corporation continues to safeguard the venue’s cultural significance.

“Reaching 140 years is truly a community achievement. It speaks to the enduring power of the arts to bring people together,” said Linda Carey, founding member of the Opera House Fund. “And as we celebrate the Opera House Fund’s legacy, we recognize that philanthropy and passion have made this milestone possible. Our future is as bright as our past.”

Preserving a Historic Treasure

The Opera House, renowned for its 19th-century architectural detailing and grand proscenium arch, continues to benefit from careful restoration and modernization. Looking to the future, the Opera House Fund plans to expand accessibility, deepen community engagement, support emerging artists, and invest in new technologies to ensure the venue thrives for generations to come.

An Open Invitation

Community members are invited to join the festivities by attending any of the BRAVOH! events. Ticket information, full schedules, and opportunities to support the Opera House Fund are available online or through the box office at (859) 233-3535.