Visit these stunning music halls as you enjoy performances from renowned opera companies, symphony orchestras and more.
Lyric Opera of Chicago
One of the country’s best-known opera companies, the Lyric Opera of Chicago has presented impressive productions of classic and modern works since its inception in 1954. The opera company makes its home in downtown’s opulent Art Deco Civic Opera House, one of the city’s architectural highlights. The Lyric also offers outreach and educational programs for students and families in the Chicago area, as well as training for up-and-coming opera performers at its Ryan Opera Center.
(Chicago’s Lyric Opera is not to be confused with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, another notable opera company in Missouri that puts on four top-notch performances every year.)
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
This performing arts center in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri is home to the Kansas City Symphony, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet. The venue, designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, also presents several other shows throughout the year, from family-friendly kids’ groups to world-famous singing groups. The center’s Open Doors Community Tickets program offers discounted (or free) tickets to select performances, and the Spotlight on Youth initiative provides educational and enrichment opportunities to young artists and potential arts patrons year-round.
Overture Center for the Arts
Sitting in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin (the state’s capital city), the Overture Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art performance venue that’s home to the Madison Symphony Orchestra, the Madison Opera and the Madison Ballet. The Overture Center houses Overture Hall (capacity: 2,200) and the Capitol Theater (capacity: 1,000) and welcomes national touring acts, musicals, and other performances throughout the year. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is also on-site.
Other classical music venues in Mississippi River Country:
- Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis
- Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville
