FIRST LOOK: Explore Your Lyric 2025

CHICAGO (4/30/25) — On Saturday, April 26, Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomed curious creatives of all ages to Explore Your Lyric, the company’s annual open house that transformed the Lyric Opera House into a choose-your-own-adventure experience. From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., more than 1,500 guests experienced the artistry behind opera through hands-on activities, live performances, a meet and greet with Maestro Enrique Mazzola, Lyric's music director, and behind-the-scenes access to one of Chicago’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

New photos from the event
Images from April 26 featuring live performance moments, illusionist Walter King, stage combat demos, design workshops, and more are now available for press use. Download from Lyric's online press room here. 

Event Highlights
Guests explored the Ken Pigott Stage in the Ardis Krainik Theatre, the orchestra pit, and a wide variety of rehearsal spaces within the opera house while experiencing:

• Live performances of Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World
  A colorful, 40-minute youth opera presented as part of Lyric Unlimited’s Opera in the Neighborhoods program. The production told a true story of friendship, courage, and artistic inspiration through music and movement.
  
  
• Illusions by The Magic of the Spellbinder
  Family-friendly magic shows from acclaimed illusionist Walter King, which blended storytelling and sleight of hand to showcase the theatrical side of opera.
  
  
• Bilingual movement workshops with Jasmin Cardenas
  Interactive sessions led by storyteller and performer Jasmin Cardenas, inviting guests to explore storytelling through movement and rhythm in both English and Spanish.
  
  
• A mobile street art cart with William Estrada
  A hands-on art-making station guided by visual artist William Estrada, where families created take-home pieces while learning how street art and set design intersect.
  
  
• Creative play with ¡Anímate! Studio
  An interactive space where children explored the behind-the-scenes world of set building and engaged in imaginative construction and design activities.
  
  
• Instrument demos with Lyric artists
  Members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra offered an up-close look at their instruments and shared insight into the sounds and skills behind each section of the ensemble.
  
  
• A "Meet the Maestro" session with Music Director Enrique Mazzola
  An opportunity for guests to meet Lyric’s Music Director and learn how he brings opera to life from the conductor’s podium.

Photos and press inquiries
For more information, contact Alana Guggenheim at [email protected] or visit lyricopera.org/explorelyric.