Causes: Arts & Culture, Opera

Mission: Established in 1979, the mission of the Intermountain Opera Association of Bozeman, is to promote and share the joy of opera in Montana and surrounding areas by providing affordable, high quality opera performances to audience members of all ages, and to provide educational outreach to area schools and communities.

Results: 36 years of outstanding opera performances.

Programs: Intermountain opera association of bozeman (iob) is montana's connection to the wonderful world of opera. Every year iob produces two fully staged opera productions, one in october and one in may with two performances each. Performances take place in the 1,108 seat newly remodeled willson auditorium. The success of iob productions stems from the unique formula of importing nationally known opera performers for lead roles along with the finest conductors and directors in opera circles, to meld their expertise with the iob chorus, orchestra, cast and crew, resulting in the highest quality opera performances serving the vast rural populations in montana. In addition to these two annual opera productions, iob collaborates with montana shakespeare in the parks on a musical theater production. This collaborative effort allows both organizations to bring their strengths to the process while expanding the scope of repertoire available under their normal operations. In conjunction with every iob production educational and outreach events are offered. Workshops, in-school and student field trip presentations, community programs and masterclasses are some of the ways that iob connects individuals more closely to opera and in doing so enhances the opera experience. Guest artists and local opera talent generously share their expertise through these outreach efforts.