It's August, and we're in the final stretch of preparations. 🛠️ Rehearsals start this month as we embark on our return to FOUR full productions at the Kauffman Center. 🪩 Alongside our operas this fall, we've curated community and learning events to further your appreciation of our wonderful season. Learn more below about those events and other new programming by Lyric Opera's Learning Department. 🧠
There is still time to get season tickets! 🎟️ We get it, life is expensive, and buying your opera tickets in advance and bulk is the best way to save automatically on tickets. You also get a full slate of benefits, including discounts on additional tickets and discounts at partner opera companies across North America. 🌎 Most importantly, subscribing helps the company by guaranteeing ticket income and reducing our marketing costs. 💞 Subscribe today!
It's one of our biggest seasons yet! In 2025–2026, Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents four of the most ambitious works in the operatic repertoire, brought to life by world-premiere productions, acclaimed artists recognized by the GRAMMYs®, Tonys®, and Oscars®, and countless opportunities for the community to engage with the stories.
We begin with an operatic twist on a classic love story, Rossini's Cinderella, followed by one of the most beloved operas of all time—Puccini's Madame Butterfly. In the spring, we begin our celebration of America's 250th birthday, with the landmark American opera, The Gershwins®' Porgy and Bess. The season concludes with Carlisle Floyd's rendition of John Steinbeck's pillar of American literature, Of Mice and Men.
Save money on tickets by subscribing!
Did you know when you become a subscriber, you automatically pay less per ticket? If you are planning on coming to more than one opera this season, subscribing is your best option when purchasing tickets! You can choose from several packages, including options for two, three, or four opera subscriptions!
A magical opera with jaw-dropping singing, considered a crown jewel of bel canto opera, Rossini's glittery version of the fairytale classic lets our heroine drive her own fate—no fairy godmother needed. It's not just beauty that wins the prince's heart; instead, love and kindness triumph over greed and vanity. Rossini's signature mix of vocal virtuosity, lyrical beauty, and zany hijinks brings this sweet tale to life.
Community Programs
We have created a roster of community events and learning opportunities for you to further engage with Rossini’s beloved comic opera, and you’re invited to join the fun! 🎭
Community Conversation: Everything Changes
📅 September 12 at 6:00 pm: What makes a Cinderella story? Explore how these tales have evolved over time and experience the premiere of Yeh-Shen, a captivating shadow puppet retelling of the ancient Chinese story.
Opera Dives Deep
📅 September 15 at 6:00 pm: Join Dr. Andrew Granade to learn how a last-minute idea became one of opera’s most enchanting reinventions. 💡
📅 September 22 at 6:00 pm: Meet the designers behind our brand-new, Wes Anderson-inspired production and learn how a new production comes to life.
Opera Book Club
We are partnering with Kansas City Public Library, The Russel on Main, and Rainy Day Books for our new Opera Book Club! Deepen your appreciation of this season's operas with facilitated discussions, catered lunch, and exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities. Spots are limited, so enroll early to secure yours! 📚
Opera Plus
Opera Plus is a new program for retirement communities designed to deepen resident engagement with Lyric Opera productions through education, engagement resources, concierge service, and ticket discounts. 🎶
School Programs
Lyric Opera is headed back to class with two exciting opportunities for Kansas City schools! 🏫
Student Dress Rehearsals
Bring a group of students to the final dress rehearsals of Cinderella and Madame Butterfly this fall! To enhance learning, teachers receive curricular resources and a chance to schedule a pre-teaching session at your school.
The Haberdasher Prince
Our elementary school touring opera, The Haberdasher Prince, will hit the road in October. Don’t miss an opportunity to bring this story of celebrating unique gifts to your school! ✨
Community Advisory Council
Lyric Opera’s Community Advisory Council helps ensure the Learning Department’s programs are meaningful and responsive to the needs of our community. We are proud to collaborate with these outstanding individuals.
To our incredible donors: thank you for making the magic on the mainstage possible! Your support is the driving force behind our 2025–26 season, bringing four full-scale opera productions to life at the Kauffman Center and enriching our community with the power and beauty of live performance.
By helping us meet our challenge match this summer, you’ve sparked a season of creativity, ambition, and artistry—before a single note has even been sung. Your commitment fuels every curtain rise, every aria, every transformative moment.
With the premiere of our brand-new production of Rossini’s Cinderella on the horizon, the momentum you’ve created is already transforming our stage and our story.
You’ve set the stage; now let the curtain rise on a thrilling new season!
Ever wonder what it's like to be in an opera? Lyric Opera is seeking performers to audition for two upcoming productions this season! Visit the audition page on our website to download the registration form!
- Two child actors for Madame Butterfly
- Ensemble members for The Gershwins®' Porgy and Bess
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Season Sponsors:
With public support from the State of Missouri and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
