Target® hits the mark with $1,500 grant to support in-school opera education
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin-September 24, 2008-The Florentine Opera Company is pleased to announce a partnership with Target to support Pinocchio, our 2008-09 season's in-school touring opera. The adaptation of this classic Italian story was written by renowned arts educator John Davies and is set to the music of Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, Pergolesi, Sullivan and Verdi, and sung in English. Children learn along with Pinocchio to always tell the truth and not to be afraid to ask for help. In addition, the Florentine provides teachers with resources to enhance student's learning experience by providing supplementary opera and music education materials, and connecting the program to Wisconsin Academic Standards. Geared towards students in Kindergarten to Fifth Grade, the program will tour local and regional schools and public community venues for nine weeks, beginning January 5, 2009.
This grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that translates to more than $3 million every week. "At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve," said Laysha Ward, Vice President of Community Relations at Target. "We're proud to partner with the Florentine Opera Company as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to Southeastern Wisconsin, where our guests and team members live and work."
ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA'S EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
The Florentine Opera Company's Education Department programming reaches a broad spectrum of individuals throughout Metro Milwaukee, southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Last year alone, over 18,000 students and individuals benefited from Florentine Opera Education programs. The Company provides a vital addition to local arts education - both in the classroom and on the stage - and the Florentine's Education Department is committed to providing all students with a complete opera curriculum.
ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA COMPANY:
The Florentine Opera Company's productions reflect the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs. As a leader in
Wisconsin's art community and the nation's sixth oldest opera company, the Florentine Opera seeks to establish a significant presence in the cultural, educational and civic life of the state of Wisconsin and beyond. Audiences enjoy beautiful mainstage productions that include first-rate vocal artistry brought to life by established and emerging local, national and international opera stars. With a foundation of fiscal responsibility, the company continues to grow its programs qualitatively in all cases, and when feasible, quantitatively. Mainstage performances are held at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in downtown, Milwaukee-home to the Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, Broadway and Off-Broadway series.
ABOUT TARGET:
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at more than 1,600 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more
than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.