The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced a new General Director, President & CEO.

Sylvia Neil, Chair, and the Board of Directors of Lyric Opera of Chicago have announced that John Mangum will be the company’s fifth General Director, President & CEO.

He will start in the Fall of 2024 at a date to be announced. Mangum succeeds Anthony Freud, who is retiring after 13 years as General Director, President & CEO at Lyric.

“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 Magnum in an official press release. “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.”

Over the years Magnum has held significant artistic and executive leadership roles at the Houston Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its esteemed Hollywood Bowl.

He has served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Symphony and as Director of Artistic Planning at the San Francisco Symphony. He also served as Artistic Administrator of the New York Philharmonic and held various roles during an eight-year run at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl.