Chicago Opera Theater

DON'T MISS COT's UPCOMING COSTUME SALE!

Ever dreamed of making a dramatic, center-stage entrance at your morning coffee run—or simply sweeping into a room draped in full-blown diva velvet? Your moment has arrived. This fall, Chicago Opera Theater (COT) is throwing open its legendary costume vault and giving the public a rare chance to raid our closet!

Mark your calendar for Friday, October 9, from 5 to 9pm, when COT hosts “Take Home the Drama: COT Costume Sale.” Taking place during the Fine Arts Building’s popular Second Fridays event, this warehouse pop-up is bound to be an absolute goldmine for fashionistas, theater aficionados and anyone looking to own an outfit with incomparable flare. Not to mention Halloween—ditch the store-bought costumes and wow fellow revelers with a piece of theater history.

Best of all, you can shop completely guilt-free. Every dollar raised from the sale goes directly to Opera for All, COT’s flagship education program.

LEARN MORE: https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/you-can-buy-costumes-from-real-productions-at-the-chicago-opera-theaters-costume-sale-092326

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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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’