When you already have a job in an orchestra, the absolute hardest thing to do is to audition for another position in that orchestra. As...

The hallmark of any self-respecting opera orchestra is flexibility: one must change musical styles at the drop of a hat and adapt to...

Each season, Sir Andrew throws a mid-winter party for the orchestra and music staff to celebrate our collaboration. It’s a chance to...

A wise person once said, "Use it or lose it." But what do you do to avoid 'over-using' it, or using it to the point of injury? A good...

Visiting Cuba has always held a special fascination for me, with its fusion of Afro-Cuban and Spanish music, dance, art, not to mention...

Meet Tootsie Stardust Lewis, a feisty Siberian Forest Cat. Weighing in at a fierce 5.2 pounds, she enjoys a sophisticated palate that...

At the busiest, most stressful time of the year, we presented the idea of organizing a "Giving December." We were blown away at the...

With less than a week to go before opening Bellini’s I Puritani, members of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra looked on their Facebook...

Most of us with full-time, professional playing careers depend upon help of some sort to keep us going. Physical therapy, acupuncture,...

On opening night of Die Walküre, Nov. 1, the downbeat came at 5:30 and the last note floated out at 10:30. To celebrate our 5-hour romp...

David Becker on contrabass trombone The Wagnertuben, instruments created just for the operas of the Ring Cycle, played by Stephanie...

What is Halloween if not a golden opportunity to humiliate our furry friends with costumes? We can't help but notice that the dog looks...

Reprinted with permission of Harp Column magazine (www.harpcolumn.com) © 2017 Harp Column Opera jobs are not for the faint of heart...

Maja Cus Vukovic July 7, 1921 - April 19, 2017 Violinist Maja Vukovic performed with the Lyric Opera Orchestra for 41 years and the Grant...

Here are some of the joyous events in the lives of the members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra! In August, our Principal Harp Lynn Williams...

Every year, audience members dress to the nines for the Opening Night Gala! Left: Ballet Mistress August Tye and Bass Wilbur Pauley...

On March 14, in the early afternoon, it finally stopped snowing. I had about 8 inches of the wet, heavy stuff covering my driveway and...

Thank You Sir Andrew! The season would not be complete without music director Sir Andrew Davis’s party for the orchestra held annually at...

Here at the newsletter, we thought it might be good to shake things up in the Pet of the Month department. We've had lots of dogs and...

There are so many weighty subjects covered in opera - love, death, how much house you can get in exchange for your sister-in-law...