(NOTE: Lyric Opera San Diego filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early 2012. The company’s future is, as of this writing, uncertain.)
Lyric’s two previous names give an idea of the company’s fare. It was founded in 1979 as the San Diego Gilbert and Sullivan Company, to produce – big surprise – Savoyard operettas. Just over a decade later it became San Diego Comic Opera to reflect the broadening of its artistic horizons to include non-G&S operettas, musical theatre and – of course – comic opera. Offered an opportunity to help restore the historic and intimate Birch North Park Theatre in the early 2000s, the company took on its present identity, becoming one of just a dozen American companies that are their own landlords.
No matter what its name, the company has remained committed to providing low-cost opera, to offering young singers the opportunity to hone and develop their craft, and to presenting its productions in English. It has also remained true to its roots by presenting one G&S work annually. A recent season included The Barber of Seville, Gigi, The Gondoliers and Fiddler on the Roof.
The company launched its four-week Summer Academy in 2006 to provide middle and high school students with a working knowledge of all aspects of opera production. A variety of other educational programs introduce the joy of music to young audiences.
Lyric Opera San Diego Information
- Public Transportation: Very Good (a 1-minute walk from buses 2, 6, 7, and 10 at 30th St./University Avenue)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Four-five per season with multiple performances of each
- Ticket Prices: Each performance is priced individually. Discounts are frequently available for children. For selected performances, tickets are available for $32–$52 depending on seat selection
- Subscriptions: Prices range from $108–$188 for all four shows, depending on seat selection. Full season subscribers will receive complimentary tickets to all Pre-Show lectures
- Membership: Range from $50–$10,001+.
