Free Student Dress Rehearsals offer complimentary passes to the final dress rehearsal of select productions to groups of students in grades 6-12. Student dress rehearsals are available to all qualifying schools. Reservations are limited. A wait list of schools will be generated once availability is depleted. Schools must complete a simple application, and may apply for a bus scholarship.
New this year, the Student Dress Rehearsal program includes Behind the Curtain, which brings a professional Lyric teaching artist into classrooms before students attend a Student Dress Rehearsal, free of charge, and based on availability. Each engaging 45-minute presentation introduces students to the opera-going experience, while addressing the plot, important themes, musical highlights, and production elements of the opera students will see at Lyric. To extend the learning, teachers will receive reflection questions to discuss with students following their visit to the opera.
For more information leading up to your field trip to Lyric Opera of Chicago, download details here.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 1pm
Servants Figaro and Susanna, along with the Countess, tangle with Count Almaviva in Mozart's rollicking study of human nature, The Marriage of Figaro. An internationally celebrated cast leads this production directed by Chicago legend Barbara Gaines and conducted by Erina Yashima in her Lyric debut.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 1pm
The ultimate operatic love story, La Bohème at Lyric features a stellar cast, including sopranos Ailyn Pérez and Gabriella Reyes, tenor Pene Pati in his Lyric debut, and vibrant baritone Will Liverman. An unforgettable La Bohème performance awaits.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 1pm
Giuseppe Verdi brings astounding intensity to the court jester Rigoletto, tragically obsessed with avenging his daughter Gilda’s dishonor. Music Director Enrique Mazzola conducts an outstanding cast including returning baritone Igor Golovatenko and Mane Galoyan and Javier Camarena in their Lyric debuts.
Monday, September 23, 2024 at 1pm
Enrique Mazzola conducts Beethoven's timeless political thriller in Matthew Ozawa’s production, praised as “transformative… a thoughtful examination of how we strive for the ideals of justice and freedom.” The radiant soprano Elza van den Heever is joined by tenor Russell Thomas and baritone Brian Mulligan.
Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 1pm
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Blue, by Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori and librettist Tazewell Thompson, the poignant tale of a Harlem family shattered by tragedy. The moving production stars bass Kenneth Kellogg and acclaimed artists Zoie Reams and Norman Garrett in this anticipated Chicago premiere.
Major Lyric Unlimited support provided by the Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund.
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance
Mrs. James S. Aagaard
Anonymous Donor
John and Rosemary Brown Family Foundation
Eisen Family Foundation
Dan J. Epstein
Judy Guitelman
Dan J. Epstein Family Foundation
Shirley and Benjamin Gould Endowment Fund
Dan and Caroline Grossman
John Hart and Carol Prins
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Matt and Carrie Parr/ PJT Partners
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Segal Family Foundation
Lyric Unlimited Chicago Public Schools Bus Scholarships are supported by the U.S. Bank Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance.
3 Anonymous Donors
The Beaubien Family
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Bowen
The Buehler Family Foundation
Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation
Decyk Watts Charitable Foundation
Helen Brach Foundation
Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performance Fund
Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
Mazza Foundation
Robert & Evelyn McCullen
Terry J. Medhurst
The Family of Seymour H. Persky
Polks Bros. Foundation
John Hart & Carol Prins
Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Segal Family Foundation
Shure Charitable Trust
The Siragusa Family Foundation
Mark Tatro & Margarita Chavez-Tatro
Roberta L. Washlow & Robert J. Washlow
Photo: Kyle Flubacker