Kentucky Opera history

In 1968, freak winds caused part of the false ceiling to fall and also caused many of those who were involved in the urban renewal project which was getting underway in downtown Lexington to want to include the Opera House in its scope.

They met with little success. It came to a head in 1973, when a high wind demolished the roof of the building.

1980 - The Kentucky General Assembly helps establish a major public/private partnership to create The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.

1983 - On November 19, The Kentucky Center is officially dedicated at a gala event in Whitney Hall.

1986 - The Bank One Lonesome Pine Specials Series begins taping its concerts for airing on KET throughout the Commonwealth.

Then, in 1988 Lonesome Pine goes international, with 130 PBS stations across America and Channel 4 in England broadcasting concerts videotaped on the Bomhard stage.

1991 - The Kentucky Center Access Services Department establishes the first Audio Description program in the Commonwealth.

1993 - To celebrate 10 years of excellence, The Kentucky Center hosts a state-wide open house bringing in various arts organizations, performers, and audiences from across the Commonwealth for a day-long celebration.

2000 - Thanks to the support of the Kentucky legislature, The Kentucky Center initiates a $4.5 million renovation, a major project that includes adding 5,900 square feet to the lobby on both the north and south sides of the building, and a reconfiguration of the main entrance off Main Street.

The Lexington Opera House observed its Silver Season in 2002, noting with pride that its courageous move to renovate the theatre at a time when other cities were building parking lots where their theatres had been was a successful idea.

2004 - The Center is the recipient of a VSA Arts/MetLife Foundation Award of Excellence in Arts Access.

2005 - President George W. Bush hosts a Town Hall Forum in Whitney Hall on Social Security Reform.

2008 - The Brown Theatre undergoes extensive renovations to enlarge the orchestra pit to accommodate up to sixty-six musicians.

2009 - Thanks to the Kentucky Legislature, The Kentucky Center embarks on an extensive, $8.9 million renovation project.

Whitney Hall ranked number 26 and the Brown Theatre ranked number 100.2014 - Kentucky native and member of the first Kentucky Center Governor's School for the Arts class, Kim Baker named President of the Kentucky Center.