The Dayton Opera was founded in 1960 by the opera impresario Lester Freedman, who also led the Toledo Opera company. For 20 years under Freedman, the company produced opera at Dayton's Memorial Hall.
In 1960, the Dayton Opera was founded by opera entrepreneur Lester Freedman, who had previously led the Toledo Opera. During his 20-year tenure, Freedman oversaw the production of opera at Dayton's Memorial Hall.