Unique collaboration between the Ryan Opera Center and Harris Theater

Each year, the Ensemble artists of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center share their talent with more than 150,000 audience members as part of mainstage productions at Lyric. But beyond the opera house, a special program showcases the incredible artistry of these performers in a unique setting. Beyond the Aria, a special cabaret-style series presented by the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, offers Ensemble members the unique opportunity to perform diverse repertoire in an intimate venue alongside stars of the Lyric season.

A unique collaboration between Lyric, the Ryan Opera Center, and the Harris Theater, Beyond the Aria is presented on stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, a central attraction of downtown Chicago. Soaring glass doors transform the expansive stage area — where orchestra and chorus are traditionally seated for concerts — into an intimate chamber hall set against the expansive backdrop of the park lawn. Audience members sit at cabaret tables only feet away from the performers, creating a personal and intimate atmosphere set against one of the city’s most beautiful open spaces.

Through five concert events each season, Ensemble members explore and perform repertoire that is both personally meaningful and diverse in genre. Arias, art song, folk, jazz, musical theatre works, and contemporary pieces reflect their individual personalities and talents, as well as their personal musical passions and aspirations. Each Beyond the Aria program features one to two Ensemble members who perform as soloists, in duets, and in trios with their Ryan Opera Center peers and with internationally renowned stars from the Lyric mainstage season. Ryan Opera Center music director Craig Terry, who also serves as Beyond the Aria’s artistic director, accompanies each concert event on piano.

For Ryan Opera Center singers used to the grandeur of Lyric’s mainstage, this minimalist style of performance can serve as a grand departure. Beyond the Aria challenges them to interpret and communicate music without the support of theatrical elements traditionally found in grand opera — a dramatic set, elaborate costumes, evocative lighting, or a full orchestra. It’s a style of performance that can demand more personal vulnerability and realistic emotional expression, all with the knowledge that the audience is not only very close to the stage, but focused entirely on the performer. The ability to perform successfully and confidently in this type of setting, inspiring a direct connection between artists and audience, can be instrumental in honing their craft and artistic flexibility.

Now in its sixth season, Beyond the Aria has become an integral component of the Ryan Opera Center’s two-year residency program for emerging artists. Performances in this extraordinary venue alongside renowned opera stars have helped Ensemble artists build confidence in their abilities and thus prepare for success at Lyric and in opera houses around the world.

There are four performances remaining this season and you can buy your Beyond the Aria tickets today.