Chapter Community

In a Lyric Chapter, opera lovers of all ages get together to enjoy lectures, musical performances, events, volunteer opportunities, and each other's company. Each Chapter is chartered with the dual purpose of providing educational programs in their communities and raising money to support community engagement and educational programs at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Your annual Chapter membership commitment includes $25 dues and a minimum contribution of $75. 

Your spouse or partner is welcomed to join with an additional dues payment of $25.

You are welcome to join additional Chapters with an additional dues payment of $25 per Chapter.

Join a Chapter today!

• Educational and volunteer opportunities in your community
• Social gatherings with other opera lovers in your community
• Lectures, musical performances, and events
• Access to programs at all 9 Lyric Community Chapters
• Connection with a vast network of Chicagoland opera lovers
• Member pricing for any community chapter program, including those offered by other chapters

Sunday, March 6, 2:00 pm
Milan’s Teatro alla Scala
Leslie Foster will present an afternoon of visual and musical delight with a program of Teatro alla Scala in Milan, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. She will describe the majestic appearance, the incomparable museum, and the fascinating personalities of the composers, conductors, singers, and audience associated with it.
The library is currently closed to group activities. If they are not reopened by March 6 this program will be broadcast by Zoom. Otherwise, it will be in-person.
Register here: https://riversidelibrary.libcal.com/event/8557798

Tuesday, March 8, 7:00 pm
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Oak Park International Women’s Day Concert
(not a chapter event)
Headlining the event are award-winning sopranos Michelle Areyzaga, Jonita Lattimore and Christine Steyer, and contralto Corinne Wallace-Crane. They will be accompanied by collaborative pianists Dana Brown and Jennifer McCabe. This extravaganza of female talent is designed to delight listeners with arias of opera’s favorite heroines, songs by local women composers, and more. We will truly ‘Break the Bias’ of beliefs that women have not made equal contributions as composers and lyricists, by shining a spotlight on rarely performed gems said Christine Steyer. Local composers represented on the concert are Lita Grier, Lena J. McLin, Patrice Michaels, and Elizabeth Rudolph. $25. ($10 students) See invitation to reserve.

Tuesday, March 8, 7:00 pm Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Oak Park
International Women’s Day Concert
(not a chapter event)
Headlining the event are award-winning sopranos Michelle Areyzaga, Jonita Lattimore and Christine Steyer, and contralto Corinne Wallace-Crane. They will be accompanied by collaborative pianists Dana Brown and Jennifer McCabe. This extravaganza of female talent is designed to delight listeners with arias of opera’s favorite heroines, songs by local women composers, and more. We will truly ‘Break the Bias’ of beliefs that women have not made equal contributions as composers and lyricists, by shining a spotlight on rarely performed gems said Christine Steyer. Local composers represented on the concert are Lita Grier, Lena J. McLin, Patrice Michaels, and Elizabeth Rudolph. $25. ($10 students) See invitation to reserve.

Monday, March 14, 1:15 pm Nineteenth Century Club, Oak Park
All-Gershwin Concert
The Lyric Chapters will be partnering with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park to co sponsor an all-Gershwin program featuring Kimberly Jones, Bill McMurray and Christian Ketter. An IDEA initiative presentation.
These programs are free for Nineteenth Century Club members. A $15 donation is requested for non members. A 3 course Lunch is served at noon before the program. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Reservations: 708-386-2729

Wednesday, March 16, 12:00 pm
Fire Shut up in my Bones lunch and lecture by David Blecher
Hinsdale Chapter venue and fee TBD

Saturday, March 19, 11:30 pm Gage Restaurant (24 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603)
Fire Shut up in my Bones lunch and lecture by LaRob K. Rafael
Near North Chapter

Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1 New York City
Metropolitan Opera trip with the Near North Chapter
Join Chapter friends for three events at the Metropolitan Opera. There are still just five more places available for this trip. Metropolitan Opera events will include Lucia di Lammermoor, Turandot and the Met National Council Grand Finals Auditions.
See invitation for pricing and details. $100 deposit will reserve your place. Contact Erika Erich if you have questions.

Tuesday, May 8 afternoon Lyric Opera House
All-Chapters 60th Anniversary Celebration
Luncheon, concert and commemoration in the Grand Foyer marking 60 years of the Lyric Opera Chapters. Full details TBD

Wednesday, May 18 through Saturday, May 21
Opera America Conference with Opera Volunteers International
(not a chapter event)
Join fellow opera volunteers from across America to meet with Artists and Management from the country’s Opera Companies to hear about and discuss the current state of opera. Celebrate and learn about other opera guilds and see a performance of Carmen directed by Denyse Graves in her directorial review. For more information contact Rick Greenman or Barbara Eckel.

Wednesday, May 18 11:00 am Edgewood Valley Country Club
Hinsdale Chapter Spring Luncheon
Details and price TBA

Photos: Kyle Flubacker