Engage & explore
Opera is more than what happens onstage. At Lyric Opera of Chicago, you can connect with the music, artists, stories, and ideas behind every performance through programs and resources designed for audiences of all ages and levels of experience. From family and youth programs and artist conversations to free audio streaming, in-depth program books, and Lyric’s performance archive, there are many ways to experience opera in Chicago and beyond the theater.
Engagement programs
Whether you're a life-long aficionado or a first-time opera goer, Lyric offers a growing number of introduction and enrichment experiences. These unique initiatives enable Lyric to more deeply engage its patrons while providing new audiences an opportunity to explore the world of opera.
Family and youth programs
There is nothing like the power of introducing a young person to the world of classical music and watching the wonder and magic unfold. Through operas created for young audiences, our annual Explore Your Lyric event, and family-friendly films played with the lush sound of our live orchestra, Lyric is committed to family offerings that provide gateways to storytelling and music that will become a lifelong passion.
Lyric Lately Blog
Our blog is here to educate and amuse, with enlightening articles, exclusive artist interviews, behind-the-scenes photos, engaging videos, and more. Take a look to see what's been happening at Lyric Lately!
Audio streaming
Explore Lyric’s collection of free audio offerings, available anytime. Stream previously recorded full operas, listen to excerpts from some of opera’s most memorable music, and dive deeper with Commentaries featuring insights into the stories, productions, composers, and artists behind the music.
Program books
Go inside each Lyric Opera presentation with engaging articles that give detailed background on the opera, musical, or recital being performed, as well as directors' notes, complete plot synopses, and artist bios.
Browse program books
Performance Archive
Take a look back through Lyric Opera of Chicago’s performance history. Search and filter productions by title, composer, or artist, and discover performances spanning decades at Lyric.