Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 10 - El último sueño de Frida y Diego

63 | Lyric Opera of Chicago “We have settled into a great co-teaching partnership,” says Ramaswamy. “I have also found that we complement each other’s teaching style and have a natural give and take when presenting a lesson or facilitating a rehearsal,” she continues. “Taylor helps create a positive learning environment for my students and has been a wonderful resource, especially for those that are considering a music major in college.” The feeling is mutual. “Puja and I share core values both as educators and as humans. which makes the collaboration really fun and cohesive,” Ott explains. “We both believe in listening to the students’ voices, to make sure we are meeting them where they are at.” With five choir classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels of musicianship, the pair must work together to meet students at different points in their musical education, helping them to develop their confidence every step of the way. “I get to teach increasingly difficult vocal techniques and musicianship as the classes advance,” Ott says of the class levels. “We start with the basics and if they stick with choir each year, I urge them to try new things, working on more advanced techniques as they grow.” Lessons in the High School Choir Residency range from warmups, technique building activities, and sectional work to master classes, demonstrations, and preparations for future auditions. At Lake View, students have created projects ranging from rewriting an opera libretto to writing and performing an original aria. “When you are standing in front of a group of teens who have worked so hard on a piece of music and they perform it with love and thoughtfulness, it’s truly amazing,” says Ott. Learning does not stop in the classroom, with the program ushering students into the opera house to participate in the newest component of the residency: Lyric’s Choral Fest. Launched in the 2025/26 Season, Choral Fest provides students an inviting space to improve their musical skills, learn about professional career paths in the arts, and build relationships with their peers from across the city. And they sing on the Lyric stage. In addition to this day of musical education and collaboration, the residency also provides students with the opportunity to return to Lyric as patrons. Participating schools receive passes to attend a final dress rehearsal at Lyric, as well as bus scholarships to transport students to the opera house. “The moment my students — most of whom are first-time opera-goers — step into the Lyric Opera House, they are filled with a sense of awe and importance,” says Ramaswamy, whose students will visit the opera house this season to participate in Choral Fest and attend the final dress rehearsal for El último sueño de Frida y Diego . In short, the countless hours put into this collaboration serve to ensure opera is a continuous presence in the younger generation’s lives. “It is my true belief that Lyric Unlimited strives to uplift Chicago communities,” Ramaswamy says, “cultivating a love of music that ensures our students feel a lifelong invitation to return to the opera house.” Lake View High School choir director Puja Ramaswamy is an active participant in the Opera Residency program. Kyle Flubacker