Civic Opera House, Chicago
6 p.m.
Tickets prices vary, please visit the website for more information

The Civic Opera House doors will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 1 for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Opening Night Gala Benefit. The traditional red carpet will be rolled out and photographers will be on hand to capture elegant arrivals for the start of Lyric's 56th season, which opens with a new production of Verdi's MACBETH, starring baritone Thomas Hampson and soprano Nadja Michael (Lyric debut), conducted by Renato Palumbo and staged by Barbara Gaines, founder and artistic director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater in her operatic debut.

Heffernan Morgan has created decor for the opera house foyer and lobbies that will reflect the imagery and lighting seen onstage, with an emphasis on the famous scenes in Birnam Wood. Guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers before the performance and during the intermission, provided by Jewell Events Catering.

Guests attending the Opera Ball will board trolleys immediately following the performance to transport them to the Hilton Chicago. They will enjoy a cocktail reception, followed by the grand march of the stars, a fabulous three-course dinner, and dancing to the Stu Hirsh Orchestra.

More than 3,300 people are expected to attend the Opening Night Gala Benefit performance, and more than 600 people are expected to attend the Opera Ball. Gala Benefit performance tickets range in cost from $75 to $600. Opera Ball reservations are $475 each.

All those who purchased Gala Benefit performance tickets will receive a flash-drive customized with the Macbeth commentary by Barbara Gaines in advance of opening night. Lyric’s season poster, which features a stunning costume sketch from the new production of Macbeth by costume designer Virgil C. Johnson, will be given to all guests following the performance.