FoxValleyOpera.org

Dear Friend of the Arts,

Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about Fox Valley Opera and our mission to bring opera to life in our community.

As founders, we’ve seen firsthand how music—especially live opera—has the power to move hearts, build community, and create unforgettable shared experiences. Whether through an intimate aria, a soaring choral moment, or the full drama of a staged production, opera gives voice to the depth of the human experience.

We’re incredibly proud of what Fox Valley Opera has accomplished so far—and even more excited about what lies ahead. Our 2025–2026 season features ambitious performances, emerging and established local talent, and our most vibrant chorus yet. With your support, we can continue to grow this cultural home for artists and audiences alike.

Thank you for considering a sponsor partnership with us. Together, we can make something truly extraordinary.

With gratitude,
Antoinette Konow & Brad Noffsinger Morrison
Founders, Fox Valley Opera

founders@foxvalleyopera.org

Who We Are

Bringing Opera to Life in the Fox Valley

Fox Valley Opera aims 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 more accessible, more intimate, and more alive.

We are dedicated to:

Providing emerging artists with meaningful performance opportunities
Supporting local singers with exceptional training who may not pursue full-time or international careers
Alleviating some of the financial burdens often associated with early career development

We believe music can be a positive force beyond our audiences. In addition to producing great art, we aim to:

Fundraise for and bring awareness to local causes
Collaborate with community groups and charities
Foster a vibrant, inclusive cultural landscape in the Fox Valley

Through it all, we invite our audiences, sponsors, and artists to bring opera to life—together.

Recent Successes

Bouquet: Exchanges of Love

February 2024 – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Geneva
A reflective Valentine concert exploring the nature of love through curated opera scenes. Followed by a post-show reception, it received glowing reviews for both artistry and thoughtful programming.

Arias & Ice Cream

June 2024 – Congregational Church of Batavia
An elegant but relaxed summer concert combining exquisite arias with an ice cream social. Audiences praised the warm atmosphere and the chance to mingle with artists.

A Night of Opera Favorites

August 2024 – Aurora Public Library District
Part of the First Friday event series, this free community concert drew over 275 attendees. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many requesting future performances. It showcased our ability to engage broad, diverse audiences.

Grim & Glamorous: A Halloween Opera Gala

October 2024 – Moonlight Theatre, St. Charles
A bold blend of spooky and sublime, this gala included the world premiere of Felix Jarrar’s aria “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary” from The Tell-Tale Heart. A portion of ticket proceeds supported Cal’s Angels, combining artistic innovation with community care.

Handel's Messiah

December 2024 – Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, Geneva & Oswego Presbyterian Church, Oswego

Fox Valley Opera presented Handel’s Messiah, inviting audiences to join in singing the “Hallelujah” chorus —a participatory moment that embodied our commitment to bringing opera to life. The event was a community favorite, with over 300 in attendance.

Italian Christmas

December 2024 – Baker Community Center, St. Charles

In collaboration with Norris Cultural Arts, Fox Valley Opera presented Italian Christmas—a sold-out celebration of Giacomo Puccini on his birthday and in honor of the centennial of his passing. The festive program featured holiday favorites and beloved Italian works, drawing a full house and warm acclaim.

Opera in the Afternoon

February 2025 – Forest View Educational Center, Arlington Heights
A collaboration with Northwest Symphony Orchestra that featured powerful opera scenes and orchestral selections. It was praised for its emotional impact and artistic excellence, reinforcing our role as an emerging cultural influence in Northern Illinois.

Looking Ahead: 2025–2026 Season

Fox Valley Opera’s 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be our most exciting and ambitious yet. In addition to outreach events and recitals, we are presenting two fully staged productions—including a compelling double bill—and two major choral concerts featuring the Fox Valley Opera Chorus and professional soloists, all supported by lush orchestration and exceptional production values.

These performances are made possible in part by our $100,000 fundraising campaign:
Bringing Opera to Life, which champions our vision to make opera more accessible, vibrant, and community-driven in the Fox Valley region.

This campaign supports:

Fair and competitive pay for local artists
High-quality orchestration and design
Accessible ticket pricing and community outreach
Sustainable infrastructure for long-term artistic growth

By becoming a sponsor, you’re not just supporting a performance—you’re bringing opera to life in your community. To learn more or to contribute directly, visit our campaign page:

👉 zeffy.com/fundraising/fox-valley-opera-2025-2026-season-fundraising-campaign

If you have questions or would prefer to make a contribution another way please contact sponsor@foxvalleyopera.org and we will help make the necessary arrangements.

Bring Opera to Life

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits

Virtuoso Visionaries — $10,000+

All Encore Enthusiasts benefits, plus:

Invitation to all dress rehearsals
Four complimentary tickets per production
Private reception with artists
Opportunity to sponsor an emerging artist or specific productin
Personalized ticket concierge service
Exclusive dinner with Fox Valley Opera founders
Custom framed, autographed production poster

Encore Enthusiasts — $1,000–$9,999

All Fortissimo Fellows benefits, plus:

Reserved priority seating at all FVO events
Admission to one dress rehearsal per season
Two additional complimentary tickets (four total)
20% discount on extra ticket purchases
Logo recognition in lobby signage during performances

Fortissimo Fellows — $500–$999

Logo recognition on our website and printed programs
Advance notice of Fox Valley Opera events
Invitation to annual donor appreciation gatherin
Two complimentary tickets per season
10% discount on additional tickets

Join Us

Thank you for considering a partnership with Fox Valley Opera. Your support helps us continue to bring opera to life—creating unforgettable performances, meaningful community connections, and opportunities for local artists to shine.

We look forward to working with you to make the 2025–2026 season our most impactful yet.

Bring Opera to Life