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Chicago Opera Theater

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 237354963 ✦ Chicago, IL ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Chicago Opera Theater?

Chicago Opera Theater, established in 1973, has evolved from a grassroots, community-based company to a prominent player in the vibrant and diverse world of opera. Situated in Chicago, a city known for its mix of storefront theaters and global icons, the theater has staged over 150 operas, including 78 Chicago premieres and 45 operas by American composers. Beyond its mainstage season, Chicago Opera Theater is devoted to fostering the development and production of new opera in the United States through its Vanguard Initiative, launched in 2018. This initiative supports emerging opera composers, invests in new opera at various stages of the creative process, and offers Chicago audiences the opportunity to engage with the development of new works, interacting directly with the creators. With a workforce of 180 individuals, Chicago Opera Theater engages lovers of music and storytelling through innovative experiences, primarily focusing on new and rarely performed works, thereby expanding the traditional scope of opera as a living art form.


Official website here: www.chicagooperatheater.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

97% Rating from Charity Navigator

Chicago Opera Theater receives a Four-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its high level of accountability and financial health. The organization's score is based solely on its performance in the Accountability & Finance beacon, indicating strong governance practices and transparency.

The nonprofit boasts a fully independent board with 19 members, and has no reported material diversions of assets, underscoring its integrity. Financial statements are rigorously overseen by an audit committee, and the organization has a robust set of policies in place, including conflict of interest and whistleblower policies, which contribute to its strong governance framework.

While the organization demonstrates excellent financial ratios, including a low liabilities-to-assets ratio and a high program expense ratio, it is worth noting that its fundraising efficiency could be improved. Currently, it takes $0.12 to raise each dollar, which could be optimized further to enhance its financial sustainability.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Chicago Opera Theater legitimate?

Chicago Opera Theater is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Chicago Opera Theater submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $115,140
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,130,298

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.chicagooperatheater.org

What is the mission statement of Chicago Opera Theater?

The Chicago Opera Theater expands the traditional concept of opera as a living art form by engaging lovers of music and storytelling through innovative experiences, predominantly featuring new and rarely performed works. Established in 1973, the company has grown from a grassroots, community-based organization to a national leader in the vibrant, diverse, and forward-looking art form. It has staged over 150 operas, including 78 Chicago premieres and 45 operas by American composers. The theater is also dedicated to the development and production of new opera in the United States through its Vanguard Initiative, launched in 2018. This initiative trains emerging opera composers, invests time and talent in new opera at various stages of the creative process, and provides opportunities for audiences to be part of the development of new works, interacting directly with the creators themselves.


Official website here: www.chicagooperatheater.org

Who is the CEO of Chicago Opera Theater?

Susan Irion is the General Director of Chicago Opera Theater.


Official website here: www.chicagooperatheater.org

What is the revenue of Chicago Opera Theater?

Chicago Opera Theater's revenue in 2022 was $4,145,281.


Official website here: www.chicagooperatheater.org

Who are the executives of Chicago Opera Theater and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Chicago Opera Theater during 2022 was $6,919. There are 180 employees and 20 volunteers at Chicago Opera Theater.


Here are 22 key members and their salaries:


Ashley Magnus (General Director)
  • Compensation: $115,139
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lidiya Yankovskaya (Music Director)
  • Compensation: $103,417
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Susan Irion (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Allen Heinemann (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Henry Fogel (Imm. Past President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Peter Ascoli (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Roger Baskes (Member (Ended 6/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ron Bauer (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Merrill Blau (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nancy Dehmlow (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul Freehling (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael Hansen (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephanie Hart (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mary Houston (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Maria Lagios (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jim Mccormick (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Mcneel (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Susan Noel (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dorothy Osborn (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Shapiro (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dan Tarlock (Member (Ended 6/30/22))
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Virginia Tobiason (Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.chicagooperatheater.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Chicago Opera Theater?

Chicago Opera Theater's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.chicagooperatheater.org

Learn more at the official website: www.chicagooperatheater.org

Mission Statement of Chicago Opera Theater

Chicago Opera Theater, a leading figure in the world of opera, seeks to captivate music and storytelling enthusiasts through innovative experiences. Its mission is to redefine the traditional notion of opera as a living art form by engaging audiences with new and rarely performed works. The organization has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1973, and has grown from a grassroots, community-based company to a nationally recognized entity in the vibrant and diverse opera scene. Chicago Opera Theater has staged over 150 operas, including 78 Chicago premieres and 45 operas by American composers. Beyond its mainstage season, the organization is deeply committed to the development and production of new opera in the United States through its Vanguard Initiative, launched in 2018. This initiative provides a platform for emerging opera composers, invests in new opera at various stages of the creative process, and offers Chicago audiences the unique opportunity to be part of the development of new works, engaging directly with the creators themselves.

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Impact




October, 2024

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) significantly enriches the cultural landscape of Chicago and beyond by transforming opera into an accessible and engaging art form. Since its inception in 1973, COT has evolved from a grassroots company into a national leader, showcasing over 150 operas, with a strong emphasis on new work and American composers.

The organization’s dedication to innovative storytelling through music allows it to continuously redefine the operatic experience. In particular, the Vanguard Initiative—launched in 2018—focuses on developing new operas by training emerging composers and fostering collaboration between creators and audiences. This initiative not only supports the creative process but also invites the community to engage with and contribute to the future of opera.

COT's commitment to staging Chicago premieres and rarely performed works ensures a vibrant, diverse repertoire that appeals to a wide audience. By prioritizing innovation and cultural dialogue, Chicago Opera Theater not only champions the evolution of opera but also makes meaningful connections between artists and the community, thereby enhancing the richness of the arts in Chicago.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Chicago Opera Theater. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$4,145,281 (2022)
Expenses
$3,073,362 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $8,694
  • Program Service Revenue: $225,409
  • Gross Receipts: $4,187,308

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $3,231,505
  • Total Liabilities: $607,426
  • Net Assets: $2,624,079

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

OPERA PERFORMANCES

Revenue

$225,409

Organization Details

Founding Year

1973

Principal Officer

Susan Irion

Main Address

PO BOX 180120, CHICAGO, IL, 606180533

NTEE Category

Code: A6A0 - Arts

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