Connecticut Opera

[1] Pandolfi served as general manager of the company for 32 years and brought most of the major international opera stars of that time to Hartford.

The first opera produced was Carmen which opened in the Bushnell Theatre on April 14, 1942, and starred mezzo-soprano Winifred Heidt in the title role.

After Pandolfi left the company, Connecticut Opera shifted direction, moving away from the star system towards hiring young and talented rising artists.

The company also became interested in cutting-edge theatrical sets, lighting, costumes, and other technical areas of theater before such a move became in vogue within the opera world.

Citing adverse economic conditions, John E. Kreitler, chairman of the opera board told The Hartford Courant: "We have ceased business and we are trying to work out the arrangements with our secured creditor about what will be done with our very few remaining assets.