EstherSylvia Firlej-Perisin

Review of Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago's Lyric Opera is among the world's top ope...

Chicago's Lyric Opera is among the world's top opera houses. It opened in 1929, on the heels of the Great Crash. But, like Chicago itself, the Lyric is a survivor. In spite of its less than auspicious beginnings it has grown to become what it is today, a first class opera house that attracks operatic stars and audiences from around the world. The building itself, with its beautiful art nouveau entrance hall is a piece of art in itself well worth a visit. On days of performances there are refreshment stands in the lobby where a patron can buy anything from coffee to champagne. And there are plenty of sparkling clean washrooms when that need arises. Although the theater itself is hughe, the acoustics are wonderful and one does not miss a sigh of a dying heroe, or a tone of any aria. The staff and "angel" volunteers assist with every need and are extremely attentive to patrons who are elderly or have to use wheelchairs, crutches or walkers. With a beautiful ambience, world renown artists and always courteous assistant staff, how could this be less than a 5 star experience.