Lyric’s RING cycles: Music, Learning, Comedy and More

Lyric’s new production of the Ring cycle is on track to be one of the most exciting cultural destinations of the year, with thousands of opera lovers flocking to the Lyric Opera House, including attendees from every state in the U.S. and 25 countries! As a part of the first new North American Ring since 2012, the debut production of Das Rheingold was hailed as “Nothing short of a triumph on all fronts” (Chicago Tribune) and the cycles feature an incomparable cast of Wagnerian superstars. 

Experiencing the Ring is a unique adventure, an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of gods and giants for an unforgettable journey of four operas in a week. To help operagoers make the most of this bucket-list event, Lyric has put together an exciting slate of ancillary programming that supports learning more and often adds to the pure entertainment value of the Ring. Events may be purchased à la carte, or through a $125 All-Access Pass that allows entry into each type of event. 

Each cycle features a variety of choices, including: 

• The Philosophy of the Ring: University of Chicago scholar Martha Nussbaum discusses how the thinking of the time shaped the Ring cycle.

• Discussions with the Ring creative team, cast members, and Sir Andrew Davis that detail how the Lyric production came together.

• The Music of Wagner: A recital of music related to and inspired by Wagner and the Ring cycle, performed by artists from the Ryan Opera Center.

• Flight of the Valkyries: Join us for this draft beer sampling events following performances of Das Rheingold.

• Longer! Louder! Wagner! The Second City Wagner Companion: A hilarious way to celebrate everyone’s favorite four-day, 15-hour operatic experience, this cabaret-style performance transports us to 1848 Germany and to modern-day Bayreuth while illustrating the headaches an opera company might encounter while mounting the behemoth work. 

• Backstage Tours: Explore behind the scenes and learn about the stage magic that brings the Ring to life.

• Pre-Opera Talks: Free before each performance.

Interested in even more? Consider joining Lyric’s Valhalla Circle for access to exclusive content while supporting this major artistic endeavor at Lyric. 

Ring cycle tickets are still on sale, with limited capacity in Cycle 3. Join us for an epic week of performances, learning, laughter, and mingling with other opera lovers.