Lyric Opera Showcases Emerging Talent at Free Ryan Opera Center Performance

Lyric Opera of Chicago to feature members of its prestigious artist-development program.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Lyric Opera of Chicago will present a showcase performance celebrating The Patrick G. And Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, the company's artist-development program. The performance will feature members of the 2025/26 Ensemble alongside the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Lyric Music Director Enrique Mazzola.

Why it matters

Artist-development programs like the Ryan Opera Center are crucial for cultivating the next generation of operatic talent. Showcases like this provide a vital platform for these artists to gain experience and connect with audiences, potentially launching successful careers.

The details

The performance is designed to highlight the talents of the Ensemble members, with selections including pieces from Donizetti's Viva la mamma, a comedy centered on the challenges of opera production and a demanding stage mother, as well as additional repertoire.

  • The performance will take place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Lyric Opera of Chicago

A major American opera company based in Chicago, Illinois.

The Patrick G. And Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center

Lyric Opera of Chicago's premier artist-development program, which provides training for emerging opera singers.

Enrique Mazzola

The Lyric Music Director, who will be conducting the Lyric Opera Orchestra for the performance.

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The takeaway

This showcase performance offers a unique opportunity for the public to experience the artistry of the talented young singers in the Lyric Opera's prestigious Ryan Opera Center program, highlighting the importance of such artist-development initiatives in nurturing the future of opera.