Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 4 - Cavalleria

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 62 Students take the stage “When we open our doors and students fill the Grand Foyer with vibrant energy, they show us that this isn’t just an opera house — it’s their opera house,” shares Jill LeCesne Potter, Senior Director of Learning Programs for Lyric Unlimited, reflecting on the inaugural Choral Fest hosted by Lyric Opera of Chicago during the 2024/25 Season. Lyric’s Choral Fest was created as an extension of the High School Choir Residency, a Lyric Unlimited program that supports vocal instruction and enrichment in Chicago Public School and Big Shoulders high school choir programs. The residency pairs classroom teachers with Lyric professional teaching artists to enrich students’ learning through opera. Lyric teaching artists work collaboratively with choir teachers to deliver student instruction and foster artistic growth through a variety of lessons tailored to fit the learning objectives of each class. Lessons can range from warmups, technique building activities, and sectional work to master classes, demonstrations, and preparations for future auditions. In addition to musical support in the classroom, students are also given the opportunity to interact with experienced guest artists and even watch a final dress rehearsal at Lyric. The High School Choir Residency has continued to grow over the years following its launch in the 2015/16 Season, building a supportive network for teachers, teaching artists, and students from schools across Chicago. The idea for Lyric’s Choral Fest was born out of the network built by the program, developed in partnership with choir directors from partnering CPS high schools who expressed an interest in bringing their students together. The inaugural event ushered 120 students into the opera house, with one choir attending from each of the five participating CPS high schools, for a day centered around musical collaboration and education. Choral Fest provided students an inviting space to improve their musical skills, The inaugural event proved so successful that it will expand this season. By Janie Ragsdale Lyric Opera of Chicago’s inaugural Choral Fest welcomed students to the opera house for a day of musical education and collaboration. Kyle Flubacker