Lyric Opera of Chicago

07/28/2026

As production costs rise, Lyric is finding ways for art to finance art. The end goal? More performances onstage and more audiences finding a home at the Lyric Opera House.

Read more from OPERA America ⤵️

As costs rise, companies turn to operatic interpretations of Broadway, rock opera, and more.

07/27/2026

This week, technical rehearsals for "Don Pasquale" begin ahead of its return to the stage this November. While our crews are busy unloading props, testing turntables, cueing lights, and fitting costumes, you can learn about Donizetti's comedic opera from Lyric Lately:

Get to know: Donizetti's

07/25/2026

2026 Final Auditions

07/24/2026

“A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness” is heading to Europe next month!

Check out this newly released excerpt of “To Forgive” featuring Billy Corgan with the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Maestro James Lowe, and don’t miss your chance to see William Patrick Corgan onstage at Lollapalooza next Friday with The Smashing Pumpkins (and streaming live on Hulu!).

07/23/2026

We’re just one month away from “Sunday in the Park with Lyric!” Join us for a night of beautiful music under the stars in Millennium Park on August 23 at 7pm.

Pack a picnic, grab a buddy, and claim your spot on the lawn to see Music Director Enrique Mazzola conduct hits of the season featuring our 2026/27 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble and the Lyric Opera Orchestra.

Admission is free and the concert is rain or shine. ☀️

07/20/2026

After Nicholas Brownlee's unforgettable Lyric debut as Jochanaan earlier this year, it's easy to see why the American bass-baritone has become a go-to singer for some of opera's most demanding roles.

With his first Wotan underway in Germany and more Wagner on the horizon, we’re excited to see where his career takes him next!

Nicholas Brownlee has risen to the top of the opera world with his powerful bass-baritone voice. His journey began with a love for opera and a desire to tackle Wagner’s challenging music.

07/17/2026

Today, legendary Chicagoan George Johnson was laid to rest at Trinity United Church of Christ. Johnson was a business icon, a pioneer, and a philanthropist. He was also a member of Lyric's Board of Directors for five decades, providing invaluable leadership and insight to the company.

Learn more about him here:

He was a pioneer in Black hair care products, and from his South Side headquarters became a beacon of Black accomplishment.

07/16/2026

Please join us in offering a big "brava!" to our most recent board chair, Sylvia Neil, who was selected as a 2026 National Opera Trustee Recognition Award recipient by OPERA America.

A longtime subscriber, donor, and production sponsor, Sylvia Neil became Lyric’s first female board chair in 2020 and currently serves on Lyric’s Board of Directors and as chair of our Executive Committee. Following the cancellation of Lyric’s "Ring" cycle, she helped launch and sponsor The Heroes’ Fund to address pandemic-related losses. She also created the Enrique Circle to increase fundraising in support of Music Director Enrique Mazzola’s exciting artistic vision and legacy. Thank you, Sylvia, for your many years of leadership, passion, and love of Lyric — and our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

OPERA America is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 National Opera Trustee Recognition Awards, which honor outstanding trustees of North American opera companies for their exemplary leadership and service on behalf of their respective organizations.

The 2026 recipients for U.S. opera companies are:

Thérèse Esperdy, Heartbeat Opera
Robyn Marie Lamp, Amelia Island Opera
Cathy Remson Lazarus, Opera San Jose
Sylvia Neil, Lyric Opera of Chicago
Laurie Nelson Randlett, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera

The Association for Opera in Canada selected Richard Rees of Vancouver Opera as the Canadian recipient of its parallel Best in Governance Award.

Learn more at operaamerica.org/PressRoom

07/11/2026

The World Cup semi-finals are just around the corner — who are you rooting for? ⚽ 🏆

We can't wait to welcome tenor SeokJong Baek back to Lyric next spring for a special concert of Italian favorites with soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, Maestro Riccardo Frizza, and the Lyric Opera Orchestra.

07/08/2026

A stage for every story, a home for yours. From beloved classics to innovative new works, Lyric is where every moment sings.

Explore the 2026/27 Season and experience it all with tickets at lyricopera.org.