Love, laughter, and games of the heart: Così fan tutte opens at Lyric on Sunday, February 1

 
CHICAGO (1/31/2026) — Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2025/26 season continues with Mozart’s sparkling romantic comedy Così fan tutte, on stage February 1 – 15, 2026.

Mozart’s most psychologically complex comedy comes to Lyric in a glamorous 1930s seaside setting where love becomes the ultimate experiment. Music Director Enrique Mazzola conducts a stellar ensemble led by rising stars Jacquelyn Stucker in her Lyric debut, Cecilia Molinari in her U.S. and Lyric debuts, Anthony León in his Lyric debut, and Ryan Opera Center alumnus Ian Rucker. They’re joined by longtime Lyric favorites Ana María Martínez and Rod Gilfry. Roy Rallo directs this stylish production, originally conceived by the late Michael Cavanagh.

We hope audiences can join us for this sun-soaked battle of the sexes — where matters of the heart rarely go according to plan. From sublime arias to razor-sharp wit to deep pathos, Così fan tutte proves that when it comes to love, everyone’s playing games.
 
View Così fan tutte images here
 
A high-resolution video trailer will be available soon on Lyric's YouTube channel and in Lyric's online press room.
 
Read the digital program book of Così fan tutte before the performance.
 
Performance dates for Così fan tutte are February 1 and 4 at 2:00 p.m.; February 7 at 7:30 p.m.; February 10 and 13 at 7:00 p.m; and February 15 at 2:00 p.m. All performances take place at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago.

Così fan tutte is performed in Italian, with easy-to-follow projected English titles above the stage.

A total running time of 3 hour and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
 
Audio description, a guided touch tour of the set, and SoundShirts are available at the Sunday, February 1 matinee performance. Braille and large-print programs, high-powered opera glasses, assistive listening devices, and booster seats are available from the theater’s Steiner Parquet coat checks at all performances. For more information on these and other accessibility assets, visit lyricopera.org/accessibility.
 
For information and tickets, call 312.827.5600 or go to lyricopera.org/cosi.
 

Lyric Opera's Season is presented by

Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, United Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

United Airlines
Illinois Arts Council

Sponsors

Lyric’s presentation of Mozart’s Così fan tutte is generously made possible by The Negaunee Foundation, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, The Julius Frankel Foundation, Randy L. & Melvin R.* Berlin, and Bulley & Andrews.

Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Mary Stowell, and the Zell Family Foundation as members of the Enrique Circle.

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Chorus is generously sponsored by an Anonymous Lead Sponsor.

*deceased

About Lyric

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can.

Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved, inspired, and connected.

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