January 25. 2026 - February 14. 2026
January 25. 2026 - February 14. 2026
Based on Oscar Wilde’s one-act play, Salome has been thrilling and fascinating audiences for more than a century. Lyric Opera of Chicago brings Sir David McVicar’s decadent production — which is set in 1930s fascist Italy and sheds a harsh light on the timeless greed and entitlement of the elite — to Chicago.
This gory thrill ride returns to Lyric for the first time in 20 years starring Elena Stikhina in the demanding title role of a teenage femme fatale whose infatuation has fatal implications, alongside Lyric favorites Brandon Jovanovich and Tanja Ariane Baumgartner.
Salome drips with decadence that matches Strauss’s lyrical score and German libretto. From the infamous "Dance of the Seven Veils" to Salome’s shocking last kiss, this production will leave you breathless.
Lyric’s presentation of Strauss’s Salome is generously made possible by Richard O. Ryan.
Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theatre one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk discussing that day’s production.
Seating is unreserved, but a ticket for that day’s performance is required. Talks begin one hour before each performance and doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the talks.
Pre-opera talks are supported by Raynette and Ned Boshell.
January 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. — First United Methodist Church, The Chicago Temple
Explore the provocative world of Salome in a thought-provoking discussion led by Dr. Justin Vickers, joined by Julia Burbach, Alison Maggart, and Dr. Jesse Rosenberg as they unpack the opera’s psychological depth and lasting impact.
Salome
Herod
Jochanaan
Herodias
Narraboth
Page
1st Jew
2nd Jew
3rd Jew
4th Jew
5th Jew
1st Nazarene
2nd Nazarene
1st Soldier
2nd Soldier
A Cappadocian
Conductor
Original Director
Revival Director
Designer
Original Lighting and Projection Designer
Revival Lighting Designer
Original Choreographer
Angela De Venuto
A Slave
59 Productions *
Video Designer
Emily Piercy *
Revival Choreographer
* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumnus
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Production by the Royal Ballet and Opera, first seen at the Royal Opera House, London on February 21, 2008.
Photo credit: John Shaw/Lyric Opera of Chicago
