New to opera? Start here to explore this thrilling art form. Learn about opera basics, get an inside understanding of key terminology, and discover all the aspects that bring the magic alive.
Whether it's your first time attending an opera or your first time at Lyric Opera of Chicago, we're raising the curtain on everything you need to know.
noun. op•er•a. a play in which most or all of the words are sung, and the music helps tell the story
Like a movie or a play, an opera combines acting, sets, and costumes. What makes an opera different is that the story is told with music and singing instead of just talking. The first operas were written over 400 years ago—but new operas are composed and performed every year!
Understanding opera is not as difficult as you may think. There are people singing masterfully without microphones, often in a different language, but the stories of most operas are universal. They are usually about familiar themes such as love and envy.
Operas can be any length, too. Some of the longest operas are over 5 hours long (such as Richard Wagner's Götterdämmerung). One of the shortest operas is only 8 minutes (L'Enlèvement d'Europe by Darius Milhaud)!
Opera 101
What is an overture?
Rossini's overture to The Barber of Seville is instantly recognizable to almost anyone who has watched a movie or TV show at some point in their life. But what exactly is an overture? Here's a very brief introduction to this musical form.
Beginner's Guide
A beginner's Guide to Wagner's Ring cycle
Completed in 1874, Richard Wagner's legendary Ring cycle consists of four individual operas and totals about 15 hours of music. We've compiled this recap of this epic story to help you brush up on everything you'll want to know about this immersive adventure.
Opera 101
Who's in that box? The life of an opera prompter
If you come to see an opera performance at Lyric, you might notice a small, unobtrusive black box that sticks up slightly from the edge of the stage, positioned just above the orchestra pit. Would you believe that a person actually spends an entire opera in that small space?
Ask Roger
How do standbys and understudies work in opera?
How do standbys and understudies work in opera? Do all operas have standbys?
Ask Roger
What is a dramaturg?
Certainly in opera, the dramaturg position varies a bit from company to company, but a dramatic is invariably a writer, a speaker, a moderator, a researcher, and invariably a kind of clearing-house of information.
There's no better time to instill a love of music and opera in young people than during their childhood. Designed to educate, encourage discussions and discovery, and entertain, we hope you enjoy this content, and invite you to share it with your friends!
Go behind the scenes and enhance your Lyric experience! Watch exclusive videos, interviews with artists, and trailers for every opera and musical production. Listen to excerpts from your favorite shows and hear informative commentaries on season productions. Discover engaging articles, in-depth features, and more on our blog.
Lyric 101
What to wear to the Opera
One of the most common questions we receive here at Lyric is "How should I dress?" Fortunately for you, we've compiled this handy list of frequently asked questions and answers so you'll know exactly what to wear on your next outing to Lyric.
Insider's Guide
Opera in the afternoon: an insider's guide to matinees
Psst...We're going to let you in on a little secret. While everyone is familiar with the expression "a night at the opera," there are tons of perks to switching things up with an afternoon matinee.
Lyric 101
Dos and Don'ts
Here's a short list of do's and don'ts to make your Lyric Opera experience one to remember...
Lyric 101
Getting Around
Situated on the Chicago River, the Lyric Opera House is just as beautiful as the operas that take place on its stage. However, it's easy to understand how someone can feel overwhelmed during their first visit. That's why we've created this handy beginner's guide to help you get around!
Ask Roger
How can I understand an opera that's sung in a foreign language?
If you're at a performance at Lyric and most other major opera companies worldwide, there will be translations projected above the stage, allowing you to follow along during the performance, literally line by line.
The staff and artists at Lyric Opera of Chicago look forward to welcoming you at the theatre and helping make the most of your experience. Here is some information we hope you will find helpful in planning your visit.
"Where can I find the best recording of La bohème?" "What is the Ryan Opera Center?" "What makes opera different from a musical?" Just Ask Roger!
Roger Pines — Lyric's dramaturg and resident opera answer man — is here to help answer all your opera-related questions. Submit your opera questions using our form, email askroger@lyricopera.org, or tweet #LyricRoger!
Photos: Todd Rosenberg