I just received the following press release.

Chicago Opera Theater Mourns Loss of Founder Alan Sonte
CHICAGO (July 11, 2008) — Chicago Opera Theater (COT) mourns the loss of founder Alan Stone who died Wednesday in Lincoln Park at the age of 79. Chicago Opera Theater will dedicate their 2009 Spring Festival Season, COT’s 35th anniversary season, to Alan Stone.

Stone founded Chicago Opera Studio, Inc., which later became Chicago Opera Theater. Chicago Opera Studio, Inc. premiered with what would become the company’s “calling-card” opera Mozart’s Così fan tutte in 1974. Stone served as Artistic Director until 1984, and remained with the company as an advisor until 1993.

“There simply would be no Chicago Opera Theater without Alan Stone,” said current COT General Director Brian Dickie who began his tenure in 1999. “COT was his dream, his baby, and his vision.”

“In my early years here in Chicago, I relied much on Alan’s great advice, and cherished our times swapping amusing antidotes over champagne,” Dickie continued. “Alan will be greatly missed and the whole of Chicago’s opera-loving audience, including myself, will always be immensely grateful for his life’s work.”

Chicago Opera Theater’s board of directors, staff, and artists extend their deepest sympathy to Alan Stone’s family.

About Chicago Opera Theater
Founded in 1974 by Alan Stone, Chicago Opera Theater has carved a significant place for itself in the operatic life of Chicago and has reached an audience of hundreds of thousands through its main stage performances, outreach, education and young artist programs.