Opera in the Neighborhoods
Due to the ongoing health crisis, Opera in the Neighborhoods is on hiatus until further notice. In the meantime, we invite you to explore this program for students in anticipation of its return in a future season. To learn more about Lyric Unlimited - Learning & Creative Engagement 2020/21 programs, please visit us here.
Lyric’s Opera in the Neighborhoods program brings live performances of youth-focused operas in neighborhood venues throughout the Chicago area. Programmed for grades 3-6, Opera in the Neighborhoods is free to schools with a suggested donation, and bus scholarships are available for qualifying Chicago Public schools. Operas presented during this program are written by living composers, sung in English, are approximately 45-minutes long, and feature relevant topics to young people.
Opera in the Neighborhoods typically consists of a 5-week tour, visiting 15 venues, and presenting approximately 30 performances. On average, approximately 17,000 students attend an Opera in the Neighborhoods performance each year
Previous productions
Earth to Kenzie
Earth to Kenzie, an original work commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago, and written by Frances Pollock and Jessica Murphy Moo, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2019/20 Season.
Earth to Kenzie
Earth to Kenzie, an original work commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago, and written by Frances Pollock and Jessica Murphy Moo, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2019/20 Season.
Rhoda and the Fossil Hunt
Rhoda and the Fossil Hunt, written by John Musto and Eric Einhorn, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2018/19 Season.
Rhoda and the Fossil Hunt
Rhoda and the Fossil Hunt, written by John Musto and Eric Einhorn, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2018/19 Season.
The Scorpions' Sting
The Scorpions' Sting
The Scorpions' Sting, written by Dean Burry, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2017/18 Season.
Jason and the Argonauts
Jason and the Argonauts, written by Gregory Spears and Kathryn Walat, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2016/17 Season.
Jason and the Argonauts
Jason and the Argonauts, written by Gregory Spears and Kathryn Walat, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2016/17 Season.
Lyric Unlimited - Learning & Creative Engagement Sponsors
The Beaubien Family
The Grainger Foundation
Robert and Evelyn McCullen
Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.
Rose L. Shure and Sidney N. Shure
Wintrust Community Banks
Anonymous Donor
Photos: Michael Brosilow, Kyle Flubacker, Todd Rosenberg