Chicago

The Opera Festival of Chicago is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to presenting high-caliber productions of Italian opera masterpieces that are infrequently performed in the United States. Established with the mission to cultivate a curiosity for opera among Chicago audiences, the festival aims to make opera and its cultural significance accessible to a broad audience. It strives to create a stimulating and inspiring environment for both artists and audiences, with a particular focus on Italian opera. The festival provides a crucial platform for emerging young artists to enter the profession, offering them the opportunity to work alongside established professionals and to meet the high standards and demands of Italian opera. Additionally, the Opera Festival of Chicago takes pride in showcasing and celebrating the considerable talent stemming from the Chicagoland area. In terms of its vision, the Opera Festival of Chicago was founded to address a gap in the city's operatic offerings and to honor the deep operatic traditions, culture, and lifestyle of Italy, the birthplace of opera. The festival seeks to emulate the ambiance and artistry found in renowned Italian operatic festivals such as those in Spoleto, Pesaro, Verona, and Festival Puccini. It aspires to become the premier destination in America for world-class Italian opera performances. The leadership of the Opera Festival of Chicago comprises a team of founding members who are deeply invested in the festival's success and artistic direction. Emanuele Andrizzi serves as the Music Director, bringing his expertise to the festival's musical endeavors. Franco Pomponi holds the position of Festival President, overseeing the festival's operations and strategic direction. Artistic vision is provided by Ella Marchment, the Artistic Director, while Tim Corpus manages Marketing & Operations, ensuring the festival's visibility and smooth functioning. The festival's 2023 season includes a variety of performances and events, such as "Murder in the Cathedral," "An Italian Soirée," "Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert," and the opera "Attila." In addition to showcasing Festival Artists and Young Artists, the Opera Festival of Chicago maintains a commitment to education and development through auditions and apprenticeship programs, fostering the next generation of operatic talent. The Opera Festival of Chicago also engages with the community and its supporters through various initiatives. It provides information on past performances in its archives and keeps the public informed about its COVID-19 response to ensure the safety and well-being of its audiences and performers. With a range of venues across the city, the festival is accessible to a diverse audience, furthering its mission to spread the appreciation of Italian opera. Support for the Opera Festival of Chicago is garnered through donations, and the organization encourages involvement from opera enthusiasts and those interested in supporting the arts. The festival's commitment to excellence in Italian opera and its dedication to cultural enrichment make it a significant contributor to Chicago's vibrant arts scene.