Youth Opera Council

Youth Opera Council (YOC) is a select group of Chicagoland high school students, from a broad range of backgrounds, who share a passion for opera and the performing arts. The purpose of the council is to encourage and grow youth interest and participation in the arts by helping students develop critical thinking and advocacy skills through student-led activities. Council members gain a deeper understanding of opera of how it’s produced through exclusive access to Lyric artists, staff, and behind-the-scenes exploration. The Youth Opera Council also hosts youth-focused events throughout the season.

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Members of Youth Opera Council at Stars of Lyric Opera, an outdoor concert at Millennium Park featuring members of Lyric's Ryan Opera Center 

Ryan Mckinny, star of Lyric's Dead Man Walking and Don Giovanni, visits the Youth Opera Council, and helps them prepare for the upcoming A Night at the Opera

Ryan Mckinny, star of Lyric's Dead Man Walking and Don Giovanni, visits the Youth Opera Council

Youth Opera Council members greet party guests at this past year's A Night at the Opera

Youth Opera Council member Natalia walks through the Don Giovanni program book with pals during this year's A Night at the Opera. 

Don Giovanni's Ben Bliss and Mika Kares surprise guests at this year's A Night at the Opera. 

Youth Opera Counil member Daniela chats with pals at A Night at the Opera 

Guests make opera masks as part of the fun at A Night at the Opera

Lyric's Youth Opera Council

The Youth Opera Council, a new initiative for high school students at Lyric, takes a look back at its first year and their experiences throughout the season.

Youth Opera Council Sponsors

Terry J. Medhurst

Penelope and Robert Steiner

Howard & Howard

Lyric Unlimited - Learning & Creative Engagement Sponsors

Anonymous Donor

Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund

Dr. Scholl Foundation

BMO Harris Bank Logo

Walter Family Foundation

The Richard P. & Susan Kiphart Family

Shure Charitable Trust

Eisen Family Foundation

Robert and Evelyn McCullen

Marsha Serlin and Jerry Sloan

Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.

Terry J. Medhurst

Mazza Foundation

Buehler Family Foundation

Wintrust Community Banks

Helen Brach Foundation

The Siragusa Family Foundation

Polk Bros. Foundation

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Raynette and Ned Boshell

John and Rosemary Brown Family Foundation

John Hart and Carol Prins

Photos: Kyle Flubacker, Lyric Opera of Chicago