Elgin OPERA was founded as Opera Professional Entertainers Repertoire Association (O.P.E.R.A.) in the spring of 2001 by soprano Solange Sior, whose entrepreneurial spirit led her from the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists in 1991 to a successful music studio.

Solange recognized the need and the potential audience for an opera company in the artistically rich Fox Valley/Elgin area and the opportunity to give many rising Chicago area singers and community members an operatic performance outlet through establishing an opera company and training ensemble.

After organizing a board and receiving its non-profit 501(c)3 tax-deductible status, Elgin Opera (as O.P.E.R.A.) began performing professional quality programs to the immediate delight of its audiences.