Chicago Opera Theater

Chicago Opera Theater (COT), founded in 1973 by Alan Stone, emerged from his Chicago Opera Studio, Inc. to provide performance opportunities for his students. The company debuted with Mozart’s "Così fan tutte" in English, quickly gaining acclaim for its innovative productions. Initially known for English-language operas, COT expanded its repertoire to include contemporary works, with significant contributions from artists like Grace Bumbry and Gian Carlo Menotti. Under Stone's leadership, the company adhered to a formula of presenting one contemporary, one standard, and one seldom-performed opera each season. In 1977, it was renamed Chicago Opera Theater. The company underwent several leadership changes, with Carl Ratner and Lawrence Rapchak guiding it from 1993 to 1999, followed by Brian Dickie, who introduced international collaborations and original language performances. Under Dickie, COT gained recognition for its daring productions and partnerships, including the Chicago premiere of John Adams' "Nixon in China." In 2013, Andreas Mitisek took over, focusing on modern works and site-specific productions, while Ashley Magnus and Lidiya Yankovskaya later led the company, emphasizing new commissions and diverse voices. Their tenure saw the launch of the Vanguard Initiative, fostering emerging composers. In 2023, Lawrence Edelson was appointed General Director, poised to lead COT into its 50th anniversary with a commitment to innovative programming and artist development.