Share What Opera Is To You

If you could pick just one word to describe what opera means to you, personally, what would that word be? 

Enjoying opera stirs various emotions in us. Perhaps you find it “inspiring” or “cathartic.” Or, maybe the first thing that comes to your mind relates to shared experience, like “family” or “community.” Everyone experiences art differently, so there are no wrong answers. 

When you share with us what opera means to you, your response may be featured in our upcoming communications!

Looking for inspiration? Here’s what some Lyric staff said opera means to them and what they’re most excited about in Lyric’s upcoming 2018/19 Season. 

Donor Engagement and Stewardship Coordinator
Lyric employee since October 2015

What are you looking forward to this season?
I am over the moon about Ariodante! I'm a big fan of early music and am thrilled to see another Baroque opera make its way to our stage!

What does opera mean to you?
Opera is TIMELESS. Opera continues to be performed, composed, and interpreted – and both the old and the new are riveting and wonderful artistic expressions of musical excellence!

Associate Director of Annual Giving
Lyric employee since March 2016

What are you looking forward to this season?
Probably strange to say, but I'm excited to see this gushing river of blood that I've heard so much about in Elektra. I'm a big horror-movie fan, so I guess it speaks to my interests. On a far less gruesome note, I'm excited for the sort-of Freudian, Expressionistic designs of Siegfried, too.

What does opera mean to you?
Opera is EVOLVING. I think it's really important for our audiences, especially those who are newer to opera (like me), to see that opera isn't stuck in some frozen moment in time. It's a living, breathing art form. Yes, preservation is important, but it's crucial to explore new approaches to an opera in order to keep it relevant, accessible, and appealing.

Chief Development Officer
Lyric employee since March 2018

What are you looking forward to this season?
As a self-professed “Ringhead,” I’m incredibly excited about our new Siegfried.

What does opera mean to you?
Opera is INTEGRAL. Much like opera, our city was built upon the collaboration of people from many backgrounds, making it as diverse as it is necessary to its success. Lyric Opera of Chicago is a critical component of Chicago’s incredible artistic oeuvre.