Learn & engage

Igniting creativity across Chicago

Through innovative learning opportunities, community partnerships, and artistic creation and collaboration, Lyric engages students, educators, families, arts aficionados, and Chicagoans of all backgrounds — elevating the power of opera as a tool for discovery and a catalyst for change.

We provide a range of programs designed to stimulate curiosity, explore new formats, and make connections between opera and every day life. New commissions and contemporary works speak to Chicago audiences with bold themes and relevant stories.

We champion stories that deserve to be heard. 

Lyric Unlimited — Learning & Civic Engagement

Lyric Unlimited — Learning & Civic Engagement

Established in 2012, Lyric Unlimited — Learning & Civic Engagement is Lyric's department dedicated to education and community initatives that's positioned to connect the city through collaborative programming.

On average, approximately 100,000 people experience Lyric Unlimited's programming each season, including:

  • Individuals from 157 towns, cities, and villages across Chicago and the Midwest
  • Over 35,000 students annually from 463 schools, with approximately one-third representing Chicago Public Schools
  • Collaborating with 54 community partner organizations
  • To date, presenting 56 operas, concerts, and special events throughout the community
  • Presenting work at more than 25 venues around the Chicagoland area

Lyric Unlimited — Learning & Civic Engagement Sponsors

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous Donor

Anonymous Donor

The Beaubien Family

BMO Harris Bank

Dr. & Mrs. Mark Bowen

The Buehler Family Foundation

Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation

CIBC Bank USA
CNA

Decyk Watts Charitable Foundation

Eisen Family Foundation
Exelon Corporation

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

U.S. Bank

Roberta L. Washlow & Robert J. Washlow

Photos: Kyle Flubacker, Jaclyn Simpson