Founded in 1929, The Chautauqua Opera Company is North America's oldest continuously operating summer opera company and 4th oldest opera company after the Metropolitan Opera, Cincinnati Opera and San Francisco Opera. The Chautauqua Opera Company offers more than 30 operatic events each season, including: three mainstage productions, performed in the historic 1,300-seat Norton Hall and Chautauqua Institution's 4000-seat Amphitheater; concerts with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra; weekly artsong recitals; opera performances for young audiences; Young Artist open-mic nights; and Opera Invasions. Chautauqua Opera productions feature internationally recognized Guest Artists alongside emerging artists from Chautauqua Opera's Young Artist Program.