Chicago Opera Theater

Chicago Opera Theater Chicago Opera Theater expands the tradition of opera as a living art form. COT enriches the lives of children and youth through participatory arts programming.

Chicago Opera Theater expands the tradition of opera as a living art form by engaging lovers of music and storytelling through innovative experiences predominantly of new and rarely performed works. COT opens the doors to opera through accessible performances and a welcoming environment. COT is a platform for the next generation of artists in the opera field to grow and launch professional careers. COT connects emotionally and intellectually with a broad and diverse Chicago audience through collaboration with our community.

MEET THE ARTISTS OF 'ON THE WILDE SIDE'!Pianist and music director Michael Banwarth () makes his COT debut leading a ste...
09/18/2026

MEET THE ARTISTS OF 'ON THE WILDE SIDE'!

Pianist and music director Michael Banwarth () makes his COT debut leading a stellar ensemble featuring soprano Elizabeth Novella (), mezzo-soprano Emily Treigle (), tenors Ian Koziara () and Jerek Fernandez ( ), and baritone Sankara Harouna ( ).

From the sparkling to the seductive, the romantic to the macabre, ON THE WILDE SIDE celebrates Oscar Wilde’s irresistible worlds and the extraordinary music they have inspired.

✨ Join us October 18 at the Studebaker Theater—and get Wilde with COT!

https://www.chicagooperatheater.org/on-the-wilde-side

"Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco was one of many Jewish composers who fled Europe and landed in Hollywood, where talents they ...
09/07/2026

"Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco was one of many Jewish composers who fled Europe and landed in Hollywood, where talents they once flexed in the concert hall were enlisted for the silver screen. Unfortunately, that means much of his non-film music remains overlooked, including his 1962 operatic adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Chicago Opera Theater gives it a worthy revival, full of the cheek and wit of Wilde’s original. A complementary recital of Wilde adaptations across opera and song precedes the staging in October."

Thank you to Hannah Edgar at the Chicago Tribune for shining a spotlight on our upcoming production!

For tickets and more information, visit www.chicagooperatheater.org



The Board of Directors of Chicago Opera Theater (COT) today announced the unanimous approval of a five-year extension of...
09/01/2026

The Board of Directors of Chicago Opera Theater (COT) today announced the unanimous approval of a five-year extension of General Director Lawrence Edelson's contract through 2031, reaffirming its confidence in his artistic leadership and strategic stewardship of the company.

Since assuming the role of General Director in July 2023, Edelson has led Chicago Opera Theater through a period of institutional stabilization, artistic achievement, and renewed national visibility. Working closely with the Board, staff, artists, and supporters, he has advanced the company's long-standing commitment to producing adventurous opera while strengthening its financial foundation and expanding its engagement with audiences throughout Chicago.

Read the entire press release at https://www.chicagooperatheater.org/pr-9-1-26-edelson

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Peter Ascoli, a beloved and longtime member of the Chicago Opera Theater ...
08/21/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Peter Ascoli, a beloved and longtime member of the Chicago Opera Theater family.

Peter’s relationship with COT spanned decades and reflected his extraordinary commitment to the arts and to the cultural life of Chicago. From his early service as COT’s Director of Development to his many years as a devoted member of our Board of Directors, Peter was a passionate and tireless advocate for our company and its artists.

Peter believed deeply in the power of the arts to enrich our city and our lives. His generosity of spirit, wisdom, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to COT helped sustain and strengthen this company across many chapters of its history. We are profoundly grateful for all that he gave to COT and for the friendship he shared with so many members of our community.

Peter’s impact extended far beyond COT, touching countless organizations and individuals throughout Chicago and beyond. His was a life defined by service, philanthropy, intellectual curiosity, and a belief in the importance of making a difference.
We extend our deepest condolences to Peter’s family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by him. We will miss him dearly, and his legacy will remain an enduring part of Chicago Opera Theater.

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/nonprofits-philanthropy/ccb-peter-ascoli-obituary-20260819/?utm_id=gfta-ur-260821&share-code=IKDVQLI3Z5HQBJK7NIV2Q5I3BE&user_id=8538812&customer_secondary_source=ccb_articleGifting

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) seeks a part time Communications and Social Media Manager who will be responsible for shapin...
08/18/2026

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) seeks a part time Communications and Social Media Manager who will be responsible for shaping COT’s voice across digital and traditional media channels. This role will work in partnership with artistic and administrative leadership to develop and execute COT’s communications strategy. The ideal candidate is a creative storyteller and strategic thinker with a deep understanding of digital trends, audience engagement, and the ability to communicate COT’s mission and values effectively across diverse platforms.

Learn more at: https://www.chicagooperatheater.org/communications-and-social-media-manager

45 or Under? Do we have a deal for you!🎭 Introducing BACKSTAGE MEMBERSHIPS — a new way to experience Chicago Opera Theat...
08/06/2026

45 or Under? Do we have a deal for you!

🎭 Introducing BACKSTAGE MEMBERSHIPS — a new way to experience Chicago Opera Theater.

For just $100, you'll enjoy:

✨ Your choice of any 4 performances - operas or concerts - from our 2026/27 season - that' just $25 per ticket!
✨ Invitations to exclusive social events including opening night parties
✨ Opportunities to connect with fellow opera lovers and COT artists
✨ Flexible ticket exchanges
✨ Discounted parking and no service fees, ever!

Whether you're attending your very first opera or looking to experience something beyond the familiar, COT's Backstage Membership opens the door to a community built around curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Join us and see where opera can take you!

🔗 Learn more about the upcoming season - including the Chicago premieres of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST and THE JUNIPER TREE, and the chance to be part of the development of an exciting new opera, INVENTING OZ... become a BACKSTAGE MEMBER today!

https://www.chicagooperatheater.org/backstage-membership-for-students-and-young-professionals

07/10/2026

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our Opera for All ‘Wishes’ showcase at Disney II Elementary ✨ featuring our Director of Education & Community Engagement, Veronica Chamberlain! 📚

Last month, Lyric Young Professionals and Chicago Opera Theater held our first joint mixer at the Fine Arts Building!Lyr...
06/17/2026

Last month, Lyric Young Professionals and Chicago Opera Theater held our first joint mixer at the Fine Arts Building!

Lyric Young Professionals is a network of like-minded professionals between 21–45 who are passionate about opera and supporting the arts in Chicago! As a LYP member, you get to tap into tons of fun perks — like unique networking events, cool educational programming, and volunteer opportunities!

Introducing young people to this vibrant art form is an ongoing effort, and we are thrilled to see more opportunities between COT and LYP that connect new audiences to the world of opera! 🎶

What a season it has been! 🎭✨From the tropical comedy of Salieri’s 'Falstaff', to our Discovery Concerts 'Shakespeare Si...
06/09/2026

What a season it has been! 🎭✨

From the tropical comedy of Salieri’s 'Falstaff', to our Discovery Concerts 'Shakespeare Sings' and 'In America’s Embrace', and Kurt Weill’s haunting 'Der Silbersee', this season brought unforgettable stories, extraordinary artists, and so many reasons to return to COT again and again.

In addition to our performances at the Studebaker Theater, we were proud to deepen the conversation around the works we presented. Through our partnership with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, audiences explored the real history behind Salieri’s relationship with Mozart, while our collaboration with the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center examined the pivotal year of 1933 and the historical forces that shaped the world in which Der Silbersee was created.

We were especially thrilled to welcome more than 500 Chicago Public School students to the Fine Arts Building last month for our 2026 Opera for All Showcase, Wishes. ✨ Watching these young creators share their original operas reminded us that the future of our art form is bright — and already taking shape right here in Chicago.

Thank you to the thousands of opera lovers, opera newcomers, students, parents — and of course, our generous donors — who joined us throughout the year. Every performance, panel discussion, workshop, and community event was made possible by your enthusiasm, support, and belief in the power of opera to connect, inspire, and spark discovery.

… and there’s even more to look forward to in our 26/27 season! Learn more about what's coming up by visiting cot.org 🎭

Images featured:
🎭 Falstaff
🗽 In America’s Embrace
📜 1933 - The Turning Point
❄️ Der Silbersee
🕵️‍♂️ Murder at the Opera Gala
💸 Trusted
🌱 OFA Showcase: ‘Wishes’

We were thrilled to welcome audiences to the Studebaker Theater last week for the concert premiere of ‘Trusted’, the new...
06/05/2026

We were thrilled to welcome audiences to the Studebaker Theater last week for the concert premiere of ‘Trusted’, the newest opera developed through Chicago Opera Theater's Vanguard Initiative, with music by Aaron Israel Levin and libretto by Marella Martin Koch! 🎭

The Vanguard Initiative is COT’s comprehensive residency program for emerging opera creators. Participants receive mentorship from leading industry professionals, gain firsthand experience in every aspect of producing opera, study repertoire and vocal writing, and ultimately develop a new one-act chamber opera! ✨

Building on the success of Vanguard, we are especially excited to launch Chicago Sings — a new initiative that deepens COT’s commitment to Chicago-based opera creators.

Through Chicago Sings, Vanguard alumni will return to COT to develop full-length operas for future fully staged productions, creating a pathway from mentorship to commission and production.

Thank you to our audiences, donors, artists, and staff for helping make ‘Trusted’ such a wonderful celebration of Chicago talent. The future of new opera in Chicago is bright, and we can't wait to share what comes next!

📸 Photos by Michael Brosilow

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