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The Grand Opera House History and Mission StatementMission Statement
With emphasis on classical music, The Grand will feature established and emerging artists whose performances take advantage of its intimate size and superb acoustics. Its programming will reflect and celebrate cultural diversity of our community and will provide educational opportunities helping to ensure culturally literate generations of audiences. By maintaining its historic integrity, and architectural and technical excellence, The Grand will exert a continuing influence on the revitalization of downtown Wilmington, enhance the cultural resources of the Brandywine Valley, and remain a nationally significant restored theatre. The Grand Opera House, Inc. is a non-profit institution committed to preserving its long-term financial strength, through a responsible balance of earned income and contributed support. A Brief History of The Grand Opera HouseThe Grand Opera House is celebrating over 130 years, and what a journey it has been. From a place to showcase Victorian entertainment, to moviehouse, to Delaware's premiere center for the performing arts, The Grand Opera House has been a fixture in Wilmington since 1871. In The Grand's early years it hosted Victorian melodramas, minstrel shows, burlesque, vaudeville, plays, spiritualism, variety shows, musical recitalists, symphonies and operas. Today, while The Grand maintains its emphasis on classical music, it is committed to offering diverse programming with artists such as Dr. John, Ian Anderson, Shawn Colvin, Robert Mirabal, Tango Buenos Aires, the Georgian State Dance Company, Eileen Ivers and the Boys Choir of Harlem. December 22, 1871 marked the gala opening of The Grand Opera House, which had been built by the Delaware Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Baltimore architect Thomas Dixon designed the building. The Grand was built in the style of the French Second Empire with Masonic symbolism incorporated into the cast-iron facade. Most of The Grand's seasons in the late 19th century were packed with dramas, comic operas, vaudeville, concerts and sports exhibitions. Performers such as Ethel Barrymore, "Buffalo Bill" Cody and John Philip Sousa and his band delighted Wilmington audiences. Film first supplemented, then supplanted entirely the live performances at The Grand in the early twentieth century. Warner Brothers assumed The Grand's lease in 1930 and used the theater for lower-caliber films. Darkened in 1967 with little hope of seeing the house lights come up again, the celebrated rebirth of The Grand occurred on December 22, 1971 during a four-hour gala, a century after the first concert and ball. By January 1973, the Masonic Hall Company had transferred its title to The Grand over to the newly-formed non-profit organization, The Grand Opera House, Inc. The Grand was rescued after undergoing extensive restoration as part of a grand plan for a Wilmington renaissance. The Grand TodayThe Grand's stage has played host to a wealth of performers that is nothing if not diversified. In this respect it has remained true to its history. The Grand offers something for everyone to enjoy: reasonably-priced, high-quality, diverse entertainment. By its devotion to the arts and its breadth and variety of programming, The Grand plans to celebrate many more landmark birthdays on Market Street. Ticket sales, rental income, interest income from the endowment, and other earned revenue account for 70% of the operating income, with the balance realized through annual fundraising. Individual contributions, corporate support, foundation grants, special events and support from the State of Delaware make up the fundraising program. The Grand is available for rental for business meetings, group events or other functions. View more information on facility rentals or room rentals. In addition to the full and part time staff, The Grand is served by a 24-member Executive Committee, 95-member Board of Trustees and a volunteer force of approximately 125 who provide ushering and other important service functions. |
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Because the performing arts are an integral dimension of life and historic buildings are a valuable segment of American culture, The Grand Opera House will strive to expand people's horizons by presenting a wide variety of artistically acclaimed performers and by preserving one of Delaware's architectural landmarks.