Chautauqua Opera Company

The Chautauqua Opera Company, founded in 1929, is one of the oldest continuously performing summer opera companies in the United States. Located at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York, this company is a key feature of the institution’s arts program during its nine-week summer season. It presents a range of operatic works from traditional operas to modern compositions, often incorporating educational initiatives such as workshops and masterclasses for young artists. The Chautauqua Opera Company has a reputation for fostering emerging talent, providing a stepping stone for many young singers, directors, and designers. Its performances are staged in the historic Norton Hall and also occasionally at the larger Amphitheater on the Chautauqua Institution's grounds. Being a part of the broader educational and cultural missions of the institution, it plays a significant role in enriching the cultural life of its community.