Elena Reinert Named Chicago Opera Theater's New Director Of Development

Elena Reinert was named by General Director Brian Dickie as Chicago Opera Theater's new Director of Development. She replaces Marla Krupman, currently the Director of Individual Giving at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art.

Ms. Reinert started her tenure at Chicago Opera Theater on July 7th.Ms. Reinert has a robust background in arts fundraising having previously held positions with Chicago cultural landmarks such as the Goodman Theatre and most recently the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as the Director of Governing Member Gifts. In that position she handled fundraising, recruitment, stewardship, and cultivation efforts of a member volunteer board responsible for raising $2.5 million annually in general operating support. Ms. Reinert was also a project consultant with KlearSky Solutions and managed development system utilization and implementation projects at several other arts organizations around the Midwest. Ms. Reinert has a Bachelors of Science in Communications from Northwestern University and is currently pursuing her MBA at the Kellogg School of Management.
"After a thorough search for a new Director of Development we are very pleased to have found Elena," said General Director Brian Dickie. "I believe that the combination of Elena's experience and enthusiasm are a perfect match for the many challenges of maintaining and garnering additional support for Chicago Opera Theater."

As Director of Development, Ms. Reinert is responsible for the planning, execution, and evaluation of all fundraising activities: individual, corporate, foundation, and government. She is actively involved in the planning and coordination of patron-centered events including COT's annual gala. Working with COT's Board of Directors she acts as a facilitator to their various initiatives in support of The company.

Founded in 1974 by Alan Stone, Chicago Opera Theater has carved a significant place for itself in the operatic life of Chicago and has reached an audience of hundreds of thousands through its main stage performances, outreach, education and young artist programs.

Since Brian Dickie's appointment as General Director in 1999, COT has evolved as an opera company that is young, fresh, and colorful - an image well suited to its surroundings at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park.

Chicago Opera Theater's 2010 Spring Festival Season opens with Rossini's Mosè in Egitto (April 17-25), followed by the Chicago Premiere of Cavalli's Giasone (April 24-May 2), and closes with Heggie's Three Decembers featuring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade in her final Chicago opera performances before her retirement (May 8-16). On May 10th COT will also present An Evening with Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie.

For more information on the 2010 Spring Festival Season, visit ChicagoOperaTheater.org or call 312.704.8414.