Lyric Opera of Chicago Undergoes A Change of Leadership

The Lyric Opera of Chicago will undergo a transition in leadership. In Fall of 2024 John Mangum will take over as the General Director, President, and CEO, succeeding Anthony Freud, who has led the organization since 2011.

John Mangum brings extensive experience in the arts and cultural sector to his new role as the fifth General Director, President & CEO at The Lyric Opera. Previously Mangum, has served as the Executive Director of the Houston Symphony since 2013, where his vision and leadership played crucial roles in expanding the symphony’s reach.

Mangum holds a background in musicology and has previously worked with the San Francisco Symphony and the New York Philharmonic, bringing a wealth of knowledge in both administrative and artistic dimensions to the Lyric Opera.

This leadership change marks a new chapter for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, promising a fresh direction while maintaining the organization’s prestigious legacy in the world of opera.