Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fox Valley Opera?

Fox Valley Opera is a grassroots opera company based in the western Chicago suburbs. We aim to bridge the gap between local opera artists and their communities, recognizing the limited visibility they receive beyond their immediate circles. In a region brimming with theatre and classical music enthusiasts, we strive to bring opera closer to home, making it accessible to all. You can read our full mission statement here.

Where does FVO perform?

Fox Valley Opera has performed in several communities along the Fox River. Notably, events have been held at Oswego Presbyterian Church in Oswego, IL; St. Marks Church in Geneva, IL; Baker Community Center and Moonlight Theatre both in St. Charles, IL. Bringing opera music up and down the Fox River helps us make opera more accessible to all!

What music does FVO perform?

Fox Valley Opera produces staged operas, as well as concerts of operatic works, and classical masterworks.

In the Fall, 2025 Fox Valley Opera produced its first fully staged opera, Bluebeard’s Castle, a one-act opera from Bela Bartok. In Spring, 2026 FVO produced a double bill of La Voix Humaine by Francis Poulenc and The Telephone by Gian Carlo Menotti.

Themed opera concerts like Bouquet, Grim and Glamorous, and Summer Spectacular featured songs and scenes from well-known and underrepresented operas alike. In October, 2024, Fox Valley Opera debuted two new songs from contemporary composer, Felix Jarrar. “Villains!” received its live Chicagoland premiere and “Once Upon A Midnight Dreary” received its live world premiere at our Grim and Glamorous concert. FVO has partnered with Norris Cultural Arts to produce Christmas season concerts that blend opera’s grandeur with holiday magic.

Meanwhile, in the Christmas season of 2024 and 2025, FVO put on productions of Handel’s Messiah, featuring professional soloists and a chorus of volunteer singers.

How can I get involved?

Any musician who wishes to be involved, whether as a singer or instrumentalist, can submit audition materials to auditions@foxvalleyopera.org.

The easiest way to stay connected is to sign us for our newsletter here, or by following Fox Valley Opera on Facebook and Instagram.

What are FVO’s goals for the future?

Fox Valley Opera strives to provide meaningful opera experiences for both local musicians and audiences. We aim to produce 1-2 staged operas each year, choral masterworks, and Messiah annually during the Christmas season. 

Is FVO a registered charity?

Yes, Fox Valley Opera NFP is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization making your donations tax deductible. If you’d like to support our efforts, you can donate here, or contact our Founders, Antoinette Konow and Brad Noffsinger Morrison, at founders@foxvalleyopera.org with further inquiries about donations. Your support is greatly appreciated! 

Who runs Fox Valley Opera?

FVO was founded by Antoinette Konow (General Director, Board President) and Brad Noffsinger Morrison (Artistic Director) in early 2024. The team quickly expanded to include Julie Malecki (Director of Operations), Mac Willaert (Music Director, Chorusmaster), Robin Swanson Morrison (Social Media and Marketing), and Jeremy Skaar (Community Outreach). You can see our staff bios here. Additionally, FVO has a Board of Trustees which includes our Founders as well as James Dickerson and David Demarco.

The Fox Valley Opera team are all parents to young children. Between us, we have 6 little opera fans aged 5 and under.