Opera in the Neighborhoods

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.

Katie: The Strongest of the Strong

Katie: The Strongest of the Strong

This powerful opera for young audiences is inspired by the true story of Katie Sandwina, a circus strongwoman who – beyond earning the title “the strongest woman in the world," and being a wife and mother – also helped to lead the women’s suffrage movement in the early 1900s. With an all-female cast, Katie: The Strongest of the Strong is a wonderful way to introduce young people to opera and the important history of women’s rights.

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Previous productions

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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. 

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Sponsors

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