Pre-Opera Lectures

Lyric Opera of Chicago offers free pre-opera lectures for all operas. One hour before every performance a lecturer gives a free 30-minute talk on the opera that follows.

All pre-opera lectures take place on the main floor of the Ardis Krainik Theatre. Seating is unreserved, and while there is no charge for admission, an opera ticket for that specific performance is required. Doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the lectures, which begin an hour before the performance begins.

Tosca
Carl Grapentine
September 26, 30; October 3, 7, 10, 13; January 10, 15, 19, 22, 25, 29

Faust
Jesse Gram
October 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 30; November 3, 7

Ernani
William Mason/Nick Martin
October 27, 31; November 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23

Katya Kabanova
Roger Pines
November 22, 25, 28; December 1, 4, 7, 12

The Merry Widow
Roger Pines
December 5, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20; January 5, 9, 14, 16

The Elixir of Love
Jesse Gram/Jack Zimmerman
January 23, 27, 30; February 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 19, 22

The Damnation of Faust
Wynne Delacoma
February 20, 24; March 2, 5, 8, 13, 17

The Marriage of Figaro
Carl Grapentine
February 28; March 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 27

Lyric's pre-opera lectures are generously made possible by:
Mr. and Mrs. Edward O. Boshell, Jr.
Kip Kelley
Charles B. Preacher Foundation
James and Michelle Young