The Chicago Opera Theater (COT) celebrated its 50th anniversary gala, “Fifty & Fabulous: A Golden Night of Song & Celebration,” at Venue West. The event featured sweets from Brown Sugar Bakery, a silent auction, and performances by students from COT’s Opera For All Program, COT’s Young Artists, and other Chicago opera singers.
Hosted by David Cangelosi and co-chaired by COT board members Henry Fogel and Susan Noel, the gala honored the six composers of the COT Vanguard program. The event also honored the tenures of board chair Susan Irion and music director Lidiya Yankovskaya.
The evening raised over $270,000 to support COT’s productions and programs, including Opera for All and the Vanguard Program.
Lawrence Edelson
Evan Bravos gave a rousing performance.
Carol Gutknecht and Warren Fremling
Emcee David Cangelosi kept the audience entertained.
Shawn Okpebholo, Carlos R. Carrillo, Wang Lu, Gillian Rae Perry, Matthew Recio and Stacy Garrop
COT Young Artist Michelle Mariposa performed a selection from Mozart’s Così fan tutte.
Photography by: KYLE FLUBACKER
