Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Opera

 

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) is a professional opera company based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1974 by Alan Stone, COT has become a leading force in the American opera scene, known for its innovative productions and commitment to contemporary works. Alan Stone, a musicologist and conductor, founded COT with the goal of bringing opera to a wider audience. He believed that opera should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience with the art form. Stone's vision was to create a company that would produce high-quality opera in English, making it easier for audiences to understand and engage with the music and stories. In its early years, COT performed in a variety of venues around Chicago, including churches, schools, and community centers. The company's first production was Benjamin Britten's "The Rape of Lucretia," which was performed in a church basement with a small cast and orchestra. Despite the modest setting, the production was a success, and COT quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and daring productions. Over the years, COT has produced a wide range of operas, from classic works by Mozart and Verdi to contemporary pieces by living composers. The company has also commissioned new works, including "The Perfect American" by Philip Glass and "Elizabeth Cree" by Kevin Puts. One of COT's most notable productions was its 2006 staging of John Adams' "Nixon in China." The opera, which tells the story of President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972, was a critical and commercial success, earning rave reviews and selling out all of its performances. The production was later broadcast on PBS as part of the "Great Performances" series. COT has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts. In 2018, the company received the National Opera Trustee Recognition Award for its efforts to engage with diverse communities and promote equity and inclusion in its programming. In addition to its mainstage productions, COT also offers a variety of educational and outreach programs. These include student matinees, community performances, and workshops for aspiring opera singers and directors. COT's current artistic director is Lidiya Yankovskaya, who was appointed in 2018. Yankovskaya is a rising star in the opera world, known for her innovative productions and commitment to social justice. Under her leadership, COT has continued to push the boundaries of opera, producing works that challenge and inspire audiences. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, COT has continued to produce innovative and engaging opera. In 2020, the company launched its "Frontline Voices" project, which commissioned new works from composers and librettists that reflect on the experiences of frontline workers during the pandemic. The project was a success, with the resulting operas receiving critical acclaim and reaching audiences around the world through virtual performances. Overall, Chicago Opera Theater has established itself as a leading force in the American opera scene, known for its innovative productions, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and dedication to bringing opera to a wider audience. With its talented artists and visionary leadership, COT is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of opera and inspiring audiences for years to come.

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