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.
Partnering in our schools — and across Chicago
Explore the world of opera
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
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
Photos: Kyle Flubacker, Jaclyn Simpson