Death of Michigan Opera co-founder

The composer and opera activist Karen VanderKloot DiChiera has died, aged 80, of Alzheimer’s complications.

‘Ms. DiChiera’s leadership and commitment to Michigan Opera Theatre has been unwavering from the earliest days of our organization,’ said Wayne S. Brown, MOT’s president. ‘She has been instrumental in shaping not only the opera company as an institution, but also the lives of thousands of aspiring young musicians and performers through her work as an arts educator and the founder of MOT’s Department of Community Programs.’

In constant pain from car-crash injuries suffered when she was 22, she composed seven operas and foundedMOT with her ex-husband, David DiChiera. She was also active in disability campaigns.