Billy Corgan and Lyric Opera of Chicago: A Visionary Collaboration

For more than three decades, Billy Corgan has reshaped the sound of alternative rock as the creative force behind The Smashing Pumpkins. This fall, he takes the stage in a groundbreaking collaboration with Lyric Opera of Chicago for A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness — a world-premiere event that reimagines the iconic double album with full orchestral and choral arrangements. Featuring Corgan as performer, these seven performances will harness the full power of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Lyric Opera Chorus, with guest vocal artists, for an immersive experience that fuses the emotional intensity of rock with the grand scale of opera. We spoke with Corgan about the origins of the project, his connection to Lyric, and what audiences can expect from this once-in-a-generation artistic event.

How did this collaboration with Lyric Opera of Chicago come about?

I've been coming to Lyric for over 20 years, and over time, people would casually ask if I’d ever want to work with the company. Honestly, I never thought Lyric would be interested in working with me! But through some conversations behind the scenes, the idea started to gain traction. When the opportunity arose to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness with such a prestigious institution, it felt like a dream come true.

What can audiences expect from this performance?

People who know Mellon Collie are familiar with the versions The Smashing Pumpkins recorded, and we’re incredibly proud of those. But as the songwriter, I’ve always known there were different ways to interpret this music. The idea behind this show is to create a singular, once-in-a-lifetime experience — one that stays true to the spirit of the original album while presenting it in a new and even more expansive way.

Many of your songs already feature orchestral elements. How does this project expand on that?

Most of the string arrangements on Smashing Pumpkins albums were things I did myself, so orchestration has always been a big part of my creative vision. But to hear these arrangements come to life with a full orchestra and chorus — at Lyric, no less — is something I can barely put into words. It takes what we originally imagined and magnifies it in a way that’s both immersive and deeply emotional.

How does Lyric’s involvement enhance the artistic vision?

Lyric’s reputation for world-class productions and its ability to craft a fully immersive visual and sonic environment brings a transformative quality to the project. The collaboration with Lyric’s exceptional Orchestra and Chorus, paired with creative partners like James Lowe — who co-created the orchestrations and also conducts — and the House of Gilles, led by Gilles and Chloé Mendel Corgan on costume design, elevates the experience beyond a traditional concert. The result is something more theatrical, more expansive — fusing the storytelling power of rock and opera in a way that feels both fresh and unexpected.

What do you hope audiences take away from this performance?

Mellon Collie has always been about emotion, scale, and storytelling. I hope that this version offers a new way to experience that journey — one that’s just as powerful and meaningful as it was when the album first came out. Whether you’re a lifelong Pumpkins fan or someone discovering this music for the first time, my hope is that this show will resonate on a deep, emotional level.

Tickets for A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness go on sale Friday, April 11, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Learn more and purchase tickets at Lyricopera.org/MellonCollie