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Chicago Opera Theater

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Chicago Opera Theater expands the tradition of opera as a living art form. COT enriches the lives of children and youth through participatory arts programming.

Chicago Opera Theater expands the tradition of opera as a living art form by engaging lovers of music and storytelling through innovative experiences predominantly of new and rarely performed works. COT opens the doors to opera through accessible performances and a welcoming environment. COT is a platform for the next generation of artists in the opera field to grow and launch professional careers. COT connects emotionally and intellectually with a broad and diverse Chicago audience through collaboration with our community.

10/16/2026

🎉 Happy 172nd Birthday, Oscar Wilde! 🎂

What better way to celebrate one of literature’s greatest imaginations than with an afternoon of extraordinary music inspired by his plays, poetry and stories.

Join us THIS SUNDAY, October 18, for ON THE WILDE SIDE, a musical celebration of all things Wilde!

From wickedly funny to deliciously dark, we've assembled an eclectic program of opera, musical theater, and art song inspired by Wilde’s plays, poetry, and stories—including some hidden gems you won't want to miss!

🎶 Take a look at the program we have in store for you, and join us for an afternoon On the Wilde Side!

🎟️ Get your tickets today! https://www.chicagooperatheater.org/on-the-wilde-side

Featuring

10/13/2026

TWO OPERAS. ONE SALOME.
A WILDE, OPERATIC SCANDAL!

Most opera lovers know Richard Strauss's Salome, the sensational masterpiece inspired by Oscar Wilde's scandalous play. But what if we told you there was another operatic Salomé—one that nearly disappeared before audiences had a chance to hear it?

While Strauss was creating his famous opera, French composer Antoine Mariotte was independently composing his own setting of Wilde's play. When Strauss's publisher secured exclusive rights to the work, a bitter dispute followed. Mariotte faced extraordinary restrictions on performances of his opera—including a demand that the scores be destroyed after its initial run.

Fortunately, the music survived.

This Sunday, October 18th, Chicago Opera Theater brings this remarkable piece of operatic history to life with excerpts from Mariotte's rarely heard French setting of Salomé as part of ON THE WILDE SIDE, our Discovery Concert exploring the extraordinary influence of Oscar Wilde on generations of composers.

From forgotten operatic treasures to enchanting musical theater selections to haunting art songs, discover the music inspired by one of literature's most provocative imaginations.

LEARN MORE AT: https://www.chicagooperatheater.org/on-the-wilde-side

Illustrations for Salome by Aubrey Vincent Beardsley

10/08/2026

's joined Chicago Opera Theater General Director Lawrence Edelson this morning for a special preview of TAKE HOME THE DRAMA - COT's costume sale, which is taking place this Friday, October 9th, at the Fine Arts Building as part of Second Fridays! Don't miss this incredibly opportunity to buy a piece of opera history (and a great Halloween Costume), all while supporting Opera for All - COT's eduction program in .public.schools !

09/25/2026

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

09/18/2026

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

09/07/2026

"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

09/01/2026

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

08/21/2026

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

08/18/2026

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

07/10/2026

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our Opera for All ‘Wishes’ showcase at Disney II Elementary ✨ featuring our Director of Education & Community Engagement, Veronica Chamberlain! 📚

Address

410 S Michigan Avenue Suite 404
Chicago, IL
60605

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13127048414

Website

http://www.cot.org/

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