Expanding the tradition of opera as a living art form. #SeeYouAtTheOpera #OperaLivesHere Chicago Opera Theater expands the tradition of opera as a living art form. Chicago Opera Theater (COT) expands the tradition of opera as a living art form by engaging lovers of music and storytelling through innovative experiences of new and rarely performed works. Since its founding in 1973 by Alan Stone, COT has grown into a national leader in the opera field, staging over 150 operas, with a focus on world premieres, Chicago premieres, and operas by American composers. In addition to its mainstage programming, COT provides in-school arts education through its Opera for All program; professional development and training opportunities through its Young Artists Program and its Vanguard Emerging Opera Composer Program; and audience engagement programming.