Center City Opera Theater was founded in 1999 with three objectives in mind: (1) to produce well-known, new, and less-familiar opera and musical theater in an intimate setting; (2) to provide opportunities for emerging opera and theater professionals who are becoming known for their excellence; and (3) to be an active arts educator in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Since its 2003–04 season the Center City Opera Theater performs in the Kimmel Center. The company places its highest emphasis on beautiful singing and dramatic storytelling, utilizing eloquent, sophisticated and simple design techniques. The company is dedicated to making critically important performance opportunities available to the current generation of opera and theatrical performers, designers, and directors.