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Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young on safronia

For two performances only, Lyric presents a world premiere musical work from Chicago’s first-ever poet laureate, the celebrated interdisciplinary artist avery r. young.

Jacquelyn Stucker on Mozart's comedic battle of the sexes "Così fan tutte"

Soprano Jacquelyn Stucker makes her Lyric debut this February in Mozart's sharp-witted comedy Così fan tutte as the passionate, yet confused, Fiordiligi. In this interview, she discusses how the goofy plot hides deeper meaning and what modern audiences can take away from this operatic classic.

Soprano Jennifer Holloway on opera's most misunderstood character

Soprano Jennifer Holloway has sung the role of Salome on major stages around the world. This January, she brings the iconic character to Chicago in her Lyric debut. Holloway doesn't judge the young Salome for her final destructive act, but instead sees her as a reflection of the corrupt adults who raised her.

Using classical architecture to design a modern "Così fan tutte"

Inspired by the architectural sketches for Monticello, set and projection designer Erhard Rom creates a setting grand enough to fill Lyric's stage but intimate enough to let the opera's most intimate moments shine.

Mustaches and mischief in Mozart's "Così fan tutte"

Tenor Anthony León (Ferrando) and baritone Ian Rucker (Guglielmo) discuss their characters' flaws and how — like with reality television — Così can teach you what not to do in love.

The themes and story of "Salome" with revival director Julia Burbach

Revival director Julia Burbach discusses the colliding worlds in Strauss's Salome. Find out what happens when upstairs meets downstairs and a toxic underbelly of abuse is exposed.

Matthew Ozawa on blending tradition and fantasy in "Madama Butterfly"

When tasked with creating a new production of Madama Butterfly, director Matthew Ozawa balanced the tradition of the Puccini opera with a fresh concept that allows all audiences to feel represented.

Ana María Martínez on the fun of playing Despina

Lyric favorite Ana María Martínez returns as the delightful Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte this February. Here, she shares what she loves about performing comedic roles and being in on the joke in this fun-filled production, originally by director Michael Cavanagh.

Director Lorena Maza on "El último sueño de Frida y Diego"

In the world premiere production of El último sueño de Frida y Diego, director Lorena Maza drew inspiration from the art and essence of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Ana María Martínez on the transformative power of El último sueño de Frida y Diego

It's no small feat to portray Catrina, goddess of the underworld, but soprano Ana María Martínez is more than up to the task. See her as the powerful mythic figure who reunites two titans of the art world — Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera — for one final day, in Gabriela Lena Frank and Nilo Cruz's El último sueño de Frida y Diego.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Puccini's "Madama Butterfly"

Meet Cio-Cio-San — known as Madama Butterfly — a faithful but doomed geisha in love with B.F. Pinkerton. Everyone but Butterfly knows the Navy lieutenant will break her heart and ruin her life.

Jeff Ritchie on designing for "A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness"

"This record, and this place, those instruments...I think people are going to be blown away."

Artist Jeff Ritchie shares how he first began working with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and what it means to design the set pieces for A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Russell Thomas on Canio's iconic aria, "Vesti la giubba" from Pagliacci

Tenor Russell Thomas returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago this fall as one of opera's most tragic figures — the jilted clown, Canio. In this interview, he discusses his iconic aria, "Vesti la giubba" and his excitement in bringing Leoncavallo's Pagliacci to the stage as part of a thrilling double bill with Cavalleria rusticana.

Michael Black on Orff's choral masterpiece "Carmina Burana"

Carl Orff's Carmina Burana deals with the wheel of fortune — fate's fickle ups and downs. Perhaps fate had a hand in the success of this piece, but Lyric's Chorus Director Michael Black has other reasons to love the work. In this video, he discusses the primal nature of the music, its rich source material, and how an operatic chorus can bring Orff's scenic cantata to life like never before.

Quinn Kelsey on the ultimate operatic double feature

Ryan Opera Center alumnus Quinn Kelsey returns to Lyric in two roles this fall: Alfio in Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana and Tonio in Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. In this conversation, he shares his excitement over the dual roles and his return to Chicago.

Sondra Radvanovsky gets to the heart of Cherubini's "Medea"

Strip away the myth and legend, and at its core, "Medea" is a human story of love and loss. As the titular sorceress, soprano Sondra Radvanovsky opens Lyric's 2025/26 Season in an acclaimed production by Sir David McVicar.

Designer Michael Yeargan on opera's most famous double feature

Set and costume designer Michael Yeargan has brought 16 operas to life at Lyric since the early 90s. His production of the classic double bill Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci returns this fall, bringing the turbulent Tuscan tales to Chicago's biggest stage. In this conversation, he shares his inspiration for the production — both realistic and cinematic —and what he loves most about these operas.

Billy Corgan on "A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness"

In November 2025, Chicago rock icon Billy Corgan celebrates the 30th Anniversary of The Smashing Pumpkins' seminal album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadnes" at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Featuring the Lyric Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and operatic soloists, this is Mellon Collie like you've never heard it before.

Michael Black on Lyric Opera of Chicago Great Choral Works

Lyric's Chorus Director and Head of Music, Michael Black, discusses Great Choral Works — a series of community concerts highlighting the Lyric Opera Chorus. Conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola and Ryan Opera Center alumnus Donald Lee III, these concerts will include your favorite opera choruses, musical theater hits, spirituals, plus a few surprises!

Zoie Reams & Kenneth Kellogg on bringing real life to the stage in Blue

Telling true stories is what makes Blue such a gripping, intimate piece. In this conversation, Zoie Reams (Mother) and Kenneth Kellogg (Father) share what this opera means to them — from initial workshop to the Lyric Opera stage.

Tazewell Thompson on placing family at the heart of Blue

Family is at the heart of director and librettist Tazewell Thompson's opera Blue. In this conversation, he discusses the work and what he hopes audiences will take away.

Federica Lombardi on exploring friendships in The Marriage of Figaro

This fall, soprano Federica Lombardi makes her much-anticipated Lyric debut as the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. Take a peek inside the rehearsal room as she shares some insight into her character's emotions and relationships — including her friendship with Susanna (performed by Ying Fang).

Barbara Gaines on The Marriage of Figaro

Director Barbara Gaines brings her delightfully comedic production of The Marriage of Figaro to Lyric this fall.

Designing Fidelio with Alexander V. Nichols

Set and projection designer Alexander V. Nichols discusses the real-life inspiration behind this contemporary production of Beethoven's Fidelio.

Unlocking the genius of Verdi's RIGOLETTO: Enrique Mazzola on its timeless success

Music Director Enrique Mazzola shares why Verdi's Rigoletto has stood the test of time and is the perfect way to open Lyric's 2024/25 Season.

Director Mathew Ozawa on the legacy of Beethoven's FIDELIO

Since its 1805 premiere, Beethoven's Fidelio has served as a symbol of hope for generations of people afflicted by oppression and tyranny. In this conversation, Director Matthew Ozawa discusses his contemporary take on the timeless opera.

Enrique Mazzola on the characters of Verdi's RIGOLETTO

Rigoletto's complex characters — from the naive Gilda to the duplicitous Duke of Mantua — have captivated audiences for centuries. Hear Music Director Enrique Mazzola discuss the iconic roles, and see him on the podium when Verdi's dramatic opera opens Lyric's 2024/25 Season on September 14.

Sondra Radvanovsky on the origins of "The Puccini Heroines"

"I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into...but I love a challenge, and I accepted the challenge!"

In this conversation with Lyric's music director, Enrique Mazzola, internationally renowned soprano Sondra Radvanovsky shares how the idea for her latest concert, "The Puccini Heroines" came to be.

Daniela Mack on "The Listeners" (Mazzoli/Vavrek)

Mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack returns to Lyric as Angela in The Listeners this spring. Hear why new works — like this eerily relevant opera by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek — spark her creativity.

Nicole Heaston and Kyle Ketelsen on "The Listeners"

Opera singers can find themselves stepping into the shoes of kings, priestesses, and even the devil himself. In Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek's newest opera, The Listeners, the characters feel a bit closer to home.

Soprano Nicole Heaston returns to the role she originated as Claire Devon, a high school teacher, wife, and mother. Opposite her, bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen finds himself center stage as the enigmatic cult leader, Howard Bard. In this discussion, they share some insights into their characters and what audiences can expect from The Listeners, onstage at Lyric Opera of Chicago for five performances, March 30-April 11.

Michelle and Russell on the secret relationships in AIDA

Soprano Michelle Bradley (Aida) and Tenor Russell Thomas (Radamès) are back sharing the stage at Lyric Opera of Chicago. In this conversation, they share their thought process behind their characters' challenging relationships in Verdi’s AIDA

Jessica Lang on the dance of AIDA

Step inside the rehearsal room with acclaimed choreographer Jessica Lang as Lyric's dancers prepare for the triumphant return of Aida. See Verdi's iconic story told through music and dance, onstage at Lyric March 9 - April 7.

Enrique Mazzola on the epic music of Verdi's AIDA

"There is only Aida that is like Aida."

From epic choral scenes to intimate duets, Music Director Enrique Mazzola shares why Giuseppe Verdi's opera is unlike any other. See the Maestro conduct his first - ever Aida, opening March 9 at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Director James Robinson on Blanchard's CHAMPION

Who is Emile Griffith? Learn about the world champion boxer and see how his story inspired Grammy Award-winning composer Terence Blanchard's first foray into opera in this interview with director James Robinson.

Lise Davidsen and Nina Stemme on Janáček’s JENŮFA

Sopranos Lise Davidsen (Jenůfa) and Nina Stemme (Kostelnička) are accustomed to playing complex characters with complicated relationships. In this conversation, they share their thought process behind their characters' dramatic and desperate decisions in Janáček’s Jenůfa.

Lawrence Brownlee on Tonio's journey in THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT

It's all about the journey for bel canto superstar Lawrence Brownlee. In this interview, the renowned tenor discusses his character's growth and how he prepares for the nine astonishing high C's in "A mes amis."

Michael Black on the unforgettable music of Janáček’s JENŮFA

You'll fall in love with Janáček’s lush orchestral music while the non-stop action keeps you glued to the edge of your seat. In this interview, Michael Black — Lyric's Chorus Director and Head of Music — shares a few reasons why he considers Jenůfa one of the greatest operas ever written.

The leitmotifs of Wagner's THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

The Flying Dutchman is often considered Wagner's first masterpiece. It is also the first time the composer began experimenting with leitmotifs — reoccurring musical themes — to represent characters, locations, or ideas. While he didn't invent the concept, he popularized it and motifs would become a cornerstone of his future work.

In this video, Music Director Enrique Mazzola discusses three major themes from the opera played by members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra: the wave motif (Andrew Anderson, Acting Assistant Principal Bass), Senta's motif (Judith Zunamon Lewis, Acting Assistant Principal Oboe and French Horn), and the Dutchman's motif (Jeremy Moeller, Principal Trombone).

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