Lyric Opera of Chicago Introduces New Ensemble for 2026-27 Season

The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced the singers selected for the 2026-27 ensemble of the Ryan Opera Center. This year’s talented newcomers include sopranos Kylie Kreucher and Josie Larsen, baritone Adam Partridge, and bass-baritones Matthew Dexter and Lin Fan. Alongside these fresh faces, the returning members of the ensemble comprise mezzo-sopranos Alexis Peart and Camille Robles, tenor Daniel Luis Espinal, baritone Sihao Hu, and bass-baritone Benjamin R. Sokol.

Selected from a competitive pool of over 600 applicants, the new ensemble members will officially begin their training in May 2026. They will receive advanced instruction in various aspects of opera performance, which will enhance their skills and prepare them for future roles. Notably, they will also engage in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s mainstage season, performing and understudying a variety of roles throughout the season. Additionally, they will take part in concerts and recitals hosted by the Ryan Opera Center.

The selection process culminated in a public Final Audition, where the audience had the opportunity to choose their favorite performer. Kylie Kreucher was named the audience’s choice and received a cash prize of $500 for her performance. The event featured a special appearance by contralto Lauren Decker, an alumna of the Ryan Opera Center, who captivated the audience with her performance.

This announcement follows a series of exciting developments for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, including the recent announcement of its 2025-26 season, which features prominent artists such as Renée Fleming and Sondra Radvanovsky. The organization has also garnered attention for its significant fundraising efforts, including a historic donation that promises to bolster its future productions.

With the new ensemble in place, the Lyric Opera of Chicago continues to uphold its commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the opera world, ensuring a vibrant future for the art form.