The Mayor of Chicago has proclaimed that April 5 is officially Chicago Opera Theater Day in Chicago.

The company announced the news via social media with the Mayor’s proclamation which honors the company’s 50th anniversary.

COT was founded in 1973 by Alan Stone and has become one of the premiere companies in Chicago. It has grown from a grassroots, community-based company to a national leader in an increasingly vibrant, diverse, and forward-looking art form. The company has staged over 165 operas, including 91 Chicago premieres and 49 operas by American composers.

The company celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 5 with a gala performance. This season the company has presented production of “The Nose,” “Book of Mountain and Seas,” and “Soldier Songs.” It is set to present “Before It All Goes Dark.”