John Mangum appointed new chief of Lyric Opera
The Lyric Opera of Chicago announced Wednesday that John Mangum will be the new general director, president & CEO of the company. He will take up the position this fall.
Mangum is currently executive director and CEO of the Houston Symphony, where he has served in the top job since 2018.
“I first fell in love with classical music and opera in high school, and the art form has been a focus of both my personal and professional life ever since,” said Mangum in a statement released by the company. “Lyric has long produced opera at the highest international level, and I am passionate about connecting this artistry with audiences in the city of Chicago and beyond.
“My driving pursuit as a cultural leader is to uplift and support talented artists and explore ways to amplify their work and bring it to as many people as possible. I’m incredibly excited to work in partnership with Lyric’s Music Director Enrique Mazzola, and the amazing artists, artisans, and staff at Lyric. I look forward to finding ways to present the positive and profound impact of opera in service to Chicago and all of its communities.”
Prior to his Texas post, Mangum served as president and artistic director of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County (2014-18), director of artistic planning at the San Francisco Symphony (2011-14) and artistic administrator of the New York Philharmonic (2009-11). Mangum worked at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl for eight years (1999-2007), in similar positions.
Mangum, 49, has a daunting task before him rebuilding from the smoking wreckage of the 13-year Anthony Freud era. Few would currently rank Lyric Opera in its previous elevated position as one of the “Top Three” American companies alongside the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera. In addition to restoring Lyric’s reputation locally and nationally, Mangum will have to bring back a sense of professionalism and confidence to impress the business community as well as expeditiously raise the artistic quality of Lyric Opera to encourage former season subscribers as well as departed donors to return.
“John’s warmth, intellectual curiosity, and deep artistic knowledge make us incredible partners and a powerful creative team,” said Lyric music director Enrique Mazzola in a released statement. “We share a passion for making art at the highest levels, exploring new and traditional repertoire with a fresh perspective, in service to all of Chicago’s vibrant communities and beyond. I know that John’s extensive experience and innovative spirit will allow for dynamic collaboration for years to come and imbue every member of our company with a sense of excitement and vigor. I am very eager to get started!”
“On behalf of the Board, I am thrilled to welcome John Mangum to Lyric Opera of Chicago,” said Sylvia Neil, chair of the Lyric board. “John’s very strong credentials as a CEO, as well as his artistic management background and music intellectualism, will bring vision, insight, and a fresh perspective to Lyric. At a time when so many arts organizations nationwide are exploring new ways to engage and expand their audiences and grow their donor base, John is a proven leader who understands the complexities of the classical performing arts industry and all that is required to showcase artistic pursuits in the contemporary environment while upholding the highest standards.”
