Chicago Opera Theater Receives Largest Contribution in its 42-Year History

Andreas Mitisek, General Director of Chicago Opera Theater (COT), today announced that the company has received a generous $1,500,000 gift from Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson. Their gift is the single largest contribution in the company's 42-year history. Neeson, who served as a COT board member for nine years and Vice President for three, and her husband, Stefan Edlis, have been COT subscribers and supporters for decades. In honor of and appreciation for this milestone contribution, COT's general director position will be renamed the "Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson General Director."

Combined with a recent, anonymous $500,000 gift, this $1.5M gift brings COT $2M closer to meeting its goal of raising an additional $5M in funds over five years so that the company can present a five-opera season. Edlis and Neeson have designated a portion of their gift to create the "Stefan Edlis & Gael Neeson $1 Million Matching Challenge" to encourage long time and new supporters to make increased philanthropic gifts to Chicago Opera Theater.

"Gael and Stefan have been incredibly generous to this company for many years. This transformational gift is an endorsement of the importance of COT and its future expansion. Their shared passion and commitment to our company is an inspiration to all of us," said Andreas Mitisek. "Their support strengthens our mission in championing new works and reimagining the classic repertoire, while introducing new audiences to this beautiful art form."

Philanthropists Edlis and Neeson are also major supporters of some of Chicago's leading cultural institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Public Radio, and, most notably, the Art Institute of Chicago. In April of 2015, the couple made headlines around the country when they donated 42 contemporary art masterpieces to the Art Institute. Their gifts have inspired others to emulate their strong example.

"Chicago Opera Theater is one of the most important opera companies in the US. Its focus on new works and new voices resonates with Gael and me. We want to inspire others to join us in supporting this organization that means so much to Chicago," said Mr. Edlis.

Chicago Opera Theater Board President Henry Fogel was also delighted. "It is fitting that COT's general director position will be named in honor of Gael and Stefan. They are among a small group of Chicago civic leaders whose support truly transforms institutions. Their generosity comes at a critical time for COT, and will create tremendous momentum for the company. By establishing this gift as a challenge, they are encouraging others who care about opera to step forward and join them in supporting our company. We are all extremely grateful to them for this remarkable gift."