The creation of a large rehearsal hall that duplicates the dimensions of the mainstage Improvements made during the first three phases of the renovation included: The Lyric Opera of Chicago/Chicago Symphony Orchestra Facilities Fund helped launch Lyric's campaign with a $50 million commitment. The purchase and renovation was made possible by Lyric's $100-million 'Building on Greatness' capital campaign. The improvements made during this project allowed Lyric Opera to continue producing world-class opera well into the 21st century. Previously Lyric Opera had rented the auditorium and backstage areas.Ī massive $100-million renovation of the backstage area commenced in 1993, and continued during Lyric's off-seasons (mid-March through early September) through 1996. In 1993, Lyric Opera of Chicago purchased all of the theater and backstage space in the Civic Opera Building. The 40-foot-high columns are topped with carved capitals covered in gold leaf. An imposing grand double staircase leads to the mezzanine foyer. Rice Grand Foyer in honor of major benefactors in 1994, features a floor and wainscoting of pink and gray Tennessee marble, and fluted Roman travertine columns and pilasters. The magnificent space, named the Daniel F. At the south end, large bronze doors open onto the grand foyer of the Lyric Opera House, whose gilt cornices glitter beneath the sparkling lights of Austrian crystal chandeliers and elaborately stenciled ceilings. The distinguishing feature on the Wacker Drive side of the Civic Opera Building is the colonnaded portico that runs the entire length of the building. The auditorium and its backstage areas occupy approximately one-third of the total space of the building. Shaped like a gigantic throne facing the Chicago River between Washington and Madison streets, it was completed after just 22 months of planning and construction. The Civic Opera Building is a majestic limestone skyscraper with a 45-story office tower and two 22-story wings.

Diana ross lyric opera house