About Us!

The Mission of Intimate Opera is to provide an opportunity for talented young opera singers to perform grand opera in an intimate, community setting. The unique up-close and personal format provides a rare opportunity for audiences to be an integral part of the performance, and for the singers to "spring" the boundaries that exist between audience and singer.

History

In 2000, Nancy Henninger, a dramatic soprano with a successful operatic performing career in Germany and native Chicagoan, set out to make a difference in Chicago. Upon returning here, Nancy found that, although Chicago boasts one of the best “A” opera houses in the world (The Lyric Opera of Chicago), very few opportunities existed for young singers to pursue their craft in the Chicago area.

She set out to create a company that would offer young singers the chance to perform complete opera roles in an intimate setting. Unlike many similar companies built around the founding artist (termed “vanity companies”), this dream was not about Nancy, but about the future of opera in Chicago and the artists that bring it to life. The result of her efforts was the creation of Intimate Opera Chicago based in the heart of Logan Square.

“Through teaching and observation, I encountered many young singers that really deserved to be performing roles”, Nancy said. “However, there just weren’t enough outlets [opera companies] to support their interest, give them experience, and refine their abilities.”

The vision propelling Intimate Opera was Ms. Henninger's dedication to vocal artistry through teaching, performing, and outreach programs. Ms. Henninger brought more that 27years of European operatic and teaching experience which provides the creative impulse to making Intimate Opera Chicago an unforgettable experience for all.

In 2009, Ms. Henninger moved to Prague and put Intimate Opera in the capable hands of Gretchen Henninger, Luis Antonio Galvez and Roy Cornelius Smith. This new administration is dedicated to continue Nancy's vision and provide performance opportunities to talented artists.