Knoxville Opera is a nonprofit organization that conducts several live entertainment shows. Founded in 1978, it serves audiences in eastern Tennessee. The organization performs various shows, such as The Barber of Seville, Lucia di Lammermoor and The Pirates of Penzance. Knoxville Opera organizes events by several artists, including Donizetti, Rossini and Gilbert & Sullivan. It is funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission, City of Knoxville in Tennessee, National Endowment for the Arts, and Knoxville Sports and Tourism Association. The organization offers online ticket reservation services. Knoxville Opera also provides gift certificates of various denominations. Its Opera 101! is an educational and outreach program for students and adult groups.