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DuPage Opera Theatre

The DuPage Opera Theatre (DOT) is one of three professional opera companies located in the Chicagoland area, along with Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago Opera Theater. Founded in 1977 as a resident, professional ensemble at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, DuPage Opera has mounted several hundred performances since its inception. DuPage Opera performances are mounted in the 793-seat Mainstage of the Arts Center. The Arts Center celebratd its grand opening on October 10, 1986, and 12 years later was renamed the Harold D. McAninch Arts Center. The MAC as it is commonly referred to, is home to three resident professional ensembles: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, DuPage Opera Theatre, and New Philharmonic, as well as the Gahlberg Gallery, a space for visual art exhibition.

Harold Bauer was the founding Artistic Director and Conductor of the company. Kirk Muspratt is the current Artistic Director and Music Director, a position that he has held since July, 2004. Recognized as one of the outstanding figures in the new generation of conductors, Muspratt has garnered international critical acclaim as a "born opera conductor"(Rheinische post), "a knowledgeable musician who delivers superbly controlled, gorgeously shaped readings" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), and "friend to local music" (Midwest Beat Magazine). The Los Angeles Times declared "Watch him!"

In December 2006 Muspratt was named "Chicagoan of the Year" in classical music by John von Rhein and the staff of the Chicago Tribune. In his first four seasons, productions at the DuPage Opera Theatre featured Le Nozze de Figaro, Il Barbiere di Seviglia, La Boheme, Faust, Otello and Tosca. In 2008 Muspratt stated that by tackling such renowned operas as Otello ""We are showcasing DuPage Opera's growth and new vision."

DOT's productions of the last 20 years include:

Gianni Schicchi (2011) Turandot (2010) The Elixir of Love (2009,1997) The Beggars Opera (2009) Otello (2008) Tosca (2008) Hansel and Gretel (2007) La Boheme (2007, 1999) Carmen (2006, 1998) Barber of Seville (2005,1993) Faust (2005) The Marriage of Figaro (2004,1997) La Traviatra (2004) Amahl and the Night Visitors (2003,1995) Don Giovanni (2003) Tosca (2002) Susannah (2002) Werther (2001) The Magic Flute (2001) Fidelio (2000) The Merry Wives of Windsor (2000) The Merry Widow (1999) Abduction (1998) The Elixir of Love (1997, 2009) Lazarus (1996) La Rondine (1996) Die Fledermaus (1995) Don Pasquale (1994) Jenufa (1994) Cosi Fan Tutte (1991)



References

1. "DuPage Opera Theatre Stages Verdi's 'Otello'" The Beacon News (2008). Print

2. "New Philharmonic." College of DuPage :: Home. Web. 09 Mar. 2011. .

3.  Von Rhein, John. "Kirk Muspratt: Making the Orchestra Accessible." Chicago Tribune [Chicago] 31 Dec. 2006. Print.