January 14, 2025
A New Chapter for Lyric: Films with Live Orchestra
This past February, Lyric Opera of Chicago presented a unique blend of classic film and live music. For the first time, the Lyric Opera Orchestra performed a live film score alongside a screening of Singin' in the Rain, bringing the beloved 1952 musical to life in a way Lyric audiences have never before experienced. In the 2025/26 Season, we bring live-to-film concerts of two Disney classics — Coco and Mary Poppins — to the Lyric Opera House.
How does a project like this come together? Behind the scenes, it’s a fascinating mix of precision and preparation. We spoke with some of the Lyric experts making this event a reality, and their insights reveal the artistry and technical mastery involved.
A sold-out audience enjoyed Lyric's first-ever film with live orchestra — Singin' in the Rain — in February 2025.
Rehearsal Meets Technology
Preparing for a live film concert requires an entirely different rehearsal process.
"There are two full readings of the score," says Stephanie Karr, Lyric's Vice President of Artistic Operations and Administration. "Like any other musical work, the orchestra has the sheet music, but they'll also have in-ear monitors to stay perfectly aligned with the film's audio." This careful synchronization ensures that every musician is in harmony with the film’s visuals.
"We treat each rehearsal as a technical run-through, making sure all elements — video, amplification, and monitoring — are in place from the start," adds Michael Smallwood, Lyric's Vice President of Production and Technical Director. "Musicians use audio monitors to stay in sync with the conductor and the click track, while the conductor follows the film on a video monitor. This ensures every technical detail comes together for a seamless live film concert."
Sound, Sync, and Precision
Synchronization is key in a live film concert, and each musician will wear in-ear monitors to hear a click track and an adjustable mix of the orchestra. For those who prefer an alternative, wedge speakers are placed throughout the orchestra, serving the same purpose.
"The orchestra will be lightly amplified to blend with the film’s dialogue," says Smallwood. "A front-of-house audio mixer manages this amplification in real time, ensuring a seamless balance between the orchestra and dialogue, particularly during underscoring."
To enhance the visual experience, two additional IMAG (Image Magnification) screens will be hung to provide a closer view of the movie while still allowing the audience to witness the orchestra perform onstage, ensuring that every seat in the house will provide a complete experience.
An Orchestra Like No Other
In addition to a traditional orchestra of 50+ musicians, these productions require unique instrumentation be added. By combining non-classical instruments like saxophone or slide guitar with the full force of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, we are able to bring these iconic film scores to life for audiences old and new.
Don’t miss your chance to experience Coco in Concert Live to Film on October 16 and 18, and Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film on April 10 and 11. Reserve your tickets now for these family-friendly live orchestra events before tickets sell out.
