January 25. 2026 - February 14. 2026
January 25. 2026 - February 14. 2026
Based on Oscar Wilde’s one-act play, Salome has been thrilling and fascinating audiences for more than a century. Lyric Opera of Chicago brings Sir David McVicar’s decadent production — which is set in 1940s fascist Italy and sheds a harsh light on the timeless greed and entitlement of the elite — to Chicago.
This gory thrill ride returns to Lyric for the first time in 20 years starring Elena Stikhina in the demanding title role of a teenage femme fatale whose infatuation has fatal implications, alongside Lyric favorites Brandon Jovanovich and Tanja Ariane Baumgartner.
Salome drips with decadence that matches Strauss’s lyrical score and German libretto. From the infamous "Dance of the Seven Veils" to Salome’s shocking last kiss, this production will leave you breathless.
Lyric’s presentation of Strauss’s Salome is generously made possible by Richard O. Ryan.
Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theatre one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk discussing that day’s production.
Seating is unreserved, but a ticket for that day’s performance is required. Talks begin one hour before each performance and doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the talks.
Pre-opera talks are supported by Raynette and Ned Boshell.
Salome
Herod
Jochanaan
Herodias
Narraboth
Conductor
Original Director
Original Choreographer
Julia Burbach *
Revival Director
Es Devlin *
Designer
Wolfgang Göbbel
Original Lighting Designer
59 Productions *
Video Designer
Emily Piercy *
Revival Choreographer
* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumnus
Production by the Royal Ballet and Opera, first seen at the Royal Opera House, London on February 21, 2008.
Photo credit: John Shaw/Lyric Opera of Chicago
