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.

That’s when Nancy began to dream the possible dream.

Nancy 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, which performs at

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“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.”  She brings more that 27years of European operatic and teaching experience which provides the creative impulse to making Intimate Opera an unforgettable experience for all.