Music Institute of Chicago and Lyric Opera of Chicago announce new partnership to expand access to opera education and performance opportunities

CHICAGO (5/18/2026) — The Music Institute of Chicago and Lyric Opera of Chicago today announced a new partnership launching in the 2026/27 season.

Together, the Music Institute and Lyric are embarking on a dynamic collaboration that reimagines how opera is experienced, taught, and shared. By uniting world-class artistry with premier music education, the partnership creates a meaningful pathway from classroom to stage — opening doors for young musicians while bringing opera to broader audiences in impactful ways. This collaboration underscores Chicago’s leadership in advancing innovation in the performing arts.

“Collaboration is central to our mission, and this partnership with Lyric Opera of Chicago creates extraordinary opportunities for current students, existing and expanded school partnerships, and community members of all ages,” said Music Institute of Chicago President and CEO Shalisa Kline Ugaz. “From mentorship and performance to direct exposure to the professional opera world, these programs will provide experiences that inspire artistic growth and deepen engagement with the performing arts.”

This multifaceted initiative will connect students, emerging artists, and communities across the Chicago region through shared programming, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

“Partnering with the Music Institute allows us to extend the reach of opera in meaningful and lasting ways,” said Lyric Opera of Chicago General Director John Mangum. “By connecting even more students and emerging artists with the resources and expertise of Lyric, we are not only opening doors to this art form, but also helping to cultivate the next generation of performers and audiences across our city.”

Rooted in a shared commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, this unique, one-of-a-kind partnership will introduce four key programs designed to broaden access to opera and deepen educational experiences for young musicians.

Opera in the Neighborhoods continues North Shore expansion with new Music Institute partnership

As part of its longstanding Opera in the Neighborhoods program, Lyric will present short operatic performances annually each season at Nichols Concert Hall, the Music Institute’s historic performance venue. The expansion will bring live opera directly to Music Institute students on the North Shore during fall and spring tours, introducing new audiences to the art form in an accessible and engaging format.

Music Institute students have access to mainstage orchestra readings

Select Music Institute string students will have the opportunity to observe Lyric mainstage orchestra readings each season, led by Lyric’s Music Director Enrique Mazzola. These experiences will offer students an inside look at the professional rehearsal processes of contrasting operatic styles.

New emerging artist recital series debuts at Nichols Hall

The Music Institute will introduce a new recital series at Nichols Concert Hall, showcasing exceptional emerging talent in an intimate performance setting. As part of this series, artists from The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric’s preeminent artist development program, will perform in one of the recitals. This collaboration will provide audiences with unique access to rising operatic artists while creating valuable performance opportunities within a supportive, community-centered environment.

Artist talk with Ryan Opera Center artists planned

The partnership will include an artist talk featuring Lyric’s Music Director Enrique Mazzola and artists from the Ryan Opera Center engaging directly with Music Institute high school students. This interactive panel session will provide students with practical guidance and personal insights on pursuing conservatory study, preparing for college auditions, and navigating the early stages of a career in music.

The new partnership reflects a shared vision to strengthen the cultural fabric of the Chicago region and ensure that opera remains vibrant, relevant, and accessible for generations to come.