The History of Harmonie Opera Club

Harmonie Opera Club, the oldest opera study group of its kind in the United States, was founded in 1906 by Austrian opera singer, Madame Helen Herbert Thorner and her students. Mrs. Thorner saw a need in Indianapolis for the study and performance of opera. The name "Harmonie" was chosen because there was "no discord."

Harmonie Opera Club is proud to have this long heritage of opera study as we enter our 100th year.

Performances

Now Harmonie Opera Club meets seven times a year, September through April (excluding January). Our new location for meetings this year is at Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis, 615 West 43rd Street Indianapolis, IN 46208. Meetings vary between the third Monday of the month or the third Saturday morning.

At each meeting an opera is performed that has been selected by club board members. Arias, duets, trios, choruses and instrumental portions are selected to give a one hour concert style presentation of the music. A narrator provides commentary about the composer, the history of the opera, the plot, and the lyrics. Occaisionally, costumes and staging are included.

Each meeting concludes with a social tea and conversation. In April a luncheon is included after the performance.