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 groups, and bus scholarships are available for qualifying 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 returns for both school and public performances in the 2025/26 Season with Katie: The Strongest of the Strong.
Stay tuned for updates on dates, and how to reserve FREE tickets for your student group. We will be announcing dates and locations in August when school is back in session.
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, 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, written by John Musto and Eric Einhorn, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2018/19 Season.
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, written by Dean Burry, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2017/18 Season.
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, written by Gregory Spears and Kathryn Walat, was Lyric's opera for young audiences during the 2016/17 Season.
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Opera in the Neighborhoods is supported by Lead Sponsor CIBC with major support from the Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund, the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, an Anonymous Donor, and Rosy & Jose Luis Prado.
Photos: Michael Brosilow, Kyle Flubacker, Todd Rosenberg