Billy Corgan collaborated with the Lyric Opera of Chicago for the premiere of 'A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness,' an operatic reimagining of the Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 album celebrating its 30th anniversary. The opening night took place on November 21, 2025, at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, featuring 17 tracks backed by a 60-piece orchestra and chorus. The series continues through November 30 with additional performances.
Event Overview
The premiere of 'A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness' marked a unique fusion of rock and opera, transforming tracks from the Smashing Pumpkins' iconic double album into orchestral arrangements. Held at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, the event drew on the venue's 60-piece orchestra and chorus to deliver a fresh sonic experience. Billy Corgan, the album's creator and Smashing Pumpkins frontman, performed select songs on guitar and vocals, joined by operatic leads including soprano Sydney Mancasola, mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams, tenor Dominick Chenes, and baritone Edward Parks.
Performance Details
Conducted by James Lowe, who co-created the new arrangements with Corgan, the opening night setlist included 17 tracks: 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,' 'Tonight, Tonight,' 'Jellybelly,' 'Galapogos,' 'Thirty-Three,' 'Beautiful,' 'Muzzle,' 'Lily (My One And Only),' 'Stumbleine,' 'Thru the Eyes of Ruby,' 'In the Arms of Sleep,' '1979,' 'By Starlight,' 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings,' 'To Forgive,' 'Cupid de Locke,' 'Porcelina of the Vast Oceans,' and a reprise of 'Tonight, Tonight.' Fan footage captured highlights like the soaring 'Tonight, Tonight' with operatic harmonies and the resonant 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings.'
Background and Quotes
The series honors the 1995 album's 30th anniversary, coinciding with a deluxe reissue release on November 21 featuring unreleased tour audio, liner notes, and collectibles. Corgan expressed enthusiasm in a statement: “It is thrilling to collaborate with Lyric head John Mangum, my musical partner James Lowe, and all of the artists at Lyric in reimagining this very special and historic album... Opera and rock both tell stories of heightened emotions, and I am excited for both fans of my music and traditional opera fans to hear some truly inspired work.”
The run includes seven total shows, with performances scheduled for November 22, 25-26, and 28-30, 2025.