Lyric's Opera in the Neighborhoods program brings live performances of youth-focused operas in neighborhood venues throughout the Chicago area. Programmed for grades 3-6, Opera in the Neighborhoods is free to schools groups, and bus scholarships are available for qualifying schools. Operas presented during this program are written by living composers, sung in English, are approximately 45-minutes long, and feature relevant topics to young people.
Reservations and dates for the 2026/27 Opera in the Neighborhoods will be available in August. In the meantime save some time on your calender for either October or April and have a great summer!
Meet Kenzie, a fifth grader with homework, asthma, and a big imagination. When she and her mother have to move into a family shelter, Kenzie finds refuge in the world of video games alongside her avatar, Edwin. Through their imaginary space adventures, Kenzie dares to go farther than ever before. Can she find the confidence to make friends and succeed in the classroom? And can she find her way home?
Katie: The Strongest of the Strong by Faye Chiao and Anton Dudley was originally commisioned by Houston Grand Opera and performed at Lyric in the 2025/26 season.
Katie: The Strongest of the Strong by Faye Chiao and Anton Dudley was originally commisioned by Houston Grand Opera and performed at Lyric in the 2025/26 season.
Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, music by Joe Illick, libretto by Mark Campbell, and spanish translation by Arlene Martínez-Vázquez. Lyric produced This opera for young audiences in 2024/25.
Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World was adapted from the book Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World by Laurence Anholt. Originally commissioned by Fort Worth Opera. Music by Joe Illick, libretto by Mark Campbel, and spanish translation by Arlene Martínez-Vázquez. Part of Lyrics 2024/25 season.
Earth to Kenzie, an original work commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago, and written by Frances Pollock and Jessica Murphy Moo, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2019/20 Season.
Earth to Kenzie, an original work commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago, and written by Frances Pollock and Jessica Murphy Moo, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2019/20 Season.
Rhoda and the Fossil Hunt, written by John Musto and Eric Einhorn, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2018/19 Season.
Rhoda and the Fossil Hunt, written by John Musto and Eric Einhorn, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2018/19 Season.
The Scorpions' Sting, written by Dean Burry, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2017/18 Season.
Jason and the Argonauts, written by Gregory Spears and Kathryn Walat, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2016/17 Season.
Jason and the Argonauts, written by Gregory Spears and Kathryn Walat, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2016/17 Season.
Sign up below to receive emails about student and teacher programming as opportunities are announced!
Opera in the Neighborhoods is supported by Penelope R. Steiner, Abbott in honor of Hau Chyi, and Roberta L. Washlow & Robert J. Washlow.
Co-commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago and Seattle Opera. Licensed by arrangement with the Barbara Hogenson Agency, Inc.
Photos: Michael Brosilow, Kyle Flubacker, Todd Rosenberg