Chicago Opera Theater Announces 3rd Annual PEOPLE'S OPERA

Voting begins Monday April 5th for Chicago Opera Theater's "People's Opera" in which the public picks one of the three operas to be produced by Chicago Opera Theater (COT) in the 2012-2013 Season. One vote equals one dollar-so the people not only get to be involved in COT's artistic decision making, but they also are making a significant contribution to the company's operating budget. Voting lasts only through June 11, 2010 at 5pm. The winner of the People's Opera will be announced later that month.

As in the previous two "People's Opera" contest, an anonymous donor has generously offered to match contributions from this campaign up to $16,000 which doubles the people's voting power!

For our 2012-2013 Season, we are thrilled to announce that the "People's Opera" will mark the Bicentenary of Giuseppe Verdi's birth. General Director Brian Dickie has picked three Verdi operas for which the public may cast their vote:

Giuseppe Verdi
I DUE FOSCARI
(The Two Foscari)
Giuseppe Verdi
I MASNADIERI
(The Bandits)
Giuseppe Verdi
GIOVANNA D'ARCO
(Joan of Arc)

"Verdi's work has endured the test of time and has been appreciated by every culture that has encountered it. Could there be a better way to commemorate his achievements than to have the people choose?" said Brian Dickie, "Each of these Verdi operas has so much potential at COT. I look forward to seeing what the fans decide!"

The first "People's Opera," launched during COT's 2008 Spring Season, raised over $47,000 for the company - and the winner, Rossini's Moses in Egypt, will open COT's 2010 Spring Festival Season on April 17th. The 2009 winner, Shostakovich's Moscow, Cheryomushki, will open Chicago Opera Theater's 2011-12 Season.

The People's Opera campaign begins April 5, 2010 with votes being accepted online at www.ChicagoOperaTheater.org and at the Harris Theater during performances of the 2010 Spring Festival Season, April 17-May 16.