Smashing Pumpkins’ ‘Mellon Collie’ to Become opera
Table of Contents
- 1. Smashing Pumpkins’ ‘Mellon Collie’ to Become opera
- 2. A Sonic and Visual Spectacle
- 3. Corgan’s Vision: Bridging Opera and Rock
- 4. Lyric Opera’s Viewpoint
- 5. A Landmark Album Reimagined
- 6. Get Your Tickets
- 7. Seize the Moment
- 8. What other iconic rock albums do you think would translate well into an opera, and why?
- 9. Orchestrating “Mellon Collie”: An Interview with James Lowe on Smashing Pumpkins Opera
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Billy Corgan, the creative force behind the Smashing Pumpkins, is teaming up with the Lyric Opera of Chicago to transform the band’s iconic album, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” into a full-fledged opera. “A Night Of Mellon Collie And Infinite Sadness” promises to be an immersive experience, blurring the lines between opera, rock, and performance art.
A Sonic and Visual Spectacle
Scheduled for seven nights only,from November 21–30,2025,this world-premiere show will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Smashing Pumpkins’ groundbreaking album. Corgan is reimagining his magnum opus by marshalling the technical and artistic forces of the Lyric Opera to create an original sonic and visual experience. This aspiring project features newly commissioned arrangements and orchestrations by Corgan and James Lowe, who will also conduct. Adding to the visual spectacle, costumes will be designed by House of Gilles, featuring gilles and Chloé Mendel Corgan.
Corgan’s Vision: Bridging Opera and Rock
Corgan expressed his excitement about this unique collaboration, stating, “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, and to discover how Lyric’s full operatic treatment is helping me experience my own compositions in powerful new ways.” He also emphasized the emotional depth shared by both genres, noting, “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; for the balance here is to honor both traditions in a magisterial way.”
Lyric Opera’s Viewpoint
John Mangum,general director,president,and CEO of Lyric Opera of Chicago,highlighted the significance of this project,adding,”Next season is filled with a tremendous range of lavish and powerful opera productions that we are excited to share with our audiences. I’m just as excited about the special performances like ‘A Night Of Mellon Collie And Infinite Sadness’ that open the aperture and expand the definition of opera and what an American opera company can be. The season clearly illustrates how this company continues to push the art form forward and create new work that can only happen in Chicago.”
A Landmark Album Reimagined
- “Mellon collie and the Infinite Sadness” was the Smashing Pumpkins’ third studio album.
- The album featured hit singles such as “Tonight, Tonight,” “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” and “1979.”
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for “A Night Of Mellon Collie And Infinite Sadness” go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 11, at 10:00 a.m. at lyricopera.org. Lyric subscribers can access tickets now as part of a subscription package.
Seize the Moment
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this unprecedented fusion of rock and opera,where the Smashing Pumpkins’ iconic album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” takes on a new,operatic dimension. secure your tickets on April 11 and prepare for an unforgettable experience at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This is more than just a concert; it’s a cultural event that will redefine how we experience music.
What other iconic rock albums do you think would translate well into an opera, and why?
Orchestrating “Mellon Collie”: An Interview with James Lowe on Smashing Pumpkins Opera
James Lowe, the conductor and orchestrator behind the groundbreaking “A Night Of Mellon Collie And Infinite Sadness” opera, joins us to discuss this enterprising project.
James, thank you for taking the time to speak with Archyde today.Excitement is building around this opera.How did you first get involved in transforming Smashing Pumpkins’ “mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” album into an operatic experience?
Thanks for having me! It was quite an organic process. Billy Corgan and I have collaborated on various projects over the years, and he approached me with this incredibly ambitious idea. “Mellon Collie” is an album ripe with emotional depth and narrative possibilities, so the challenge of re-imagining it for the opera stage was immediately compelling.
“Mellon Collie” is such an iconic album.What were some of the key considerations in adapting its rock sound for a full operatic treatment? What can fans of both the Smashing Pumpkins and opera expect sonically from this show?
The key was to respect the original material while concurrently expanding its sonic palette. we wanted to honor the raw energy of the smashing Pumpkins while harnessing the power and nuance of a full orchestra.This involved newly commissioned arrangements and orchestrations which respect Corgan’s art and breathe fresh, operatic life into it. Fans can expect a fusion of familiar melodies with soaring vocals,intricate arrangements,and a truly immersive soundscape.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is a prestigious venue.What unique elements can they bring to this production that wouldn’t be possible elsewhere?
Lyric Opera brings unparalleled resources – world-class singers, a phenomenal orchestra, and top-tier production capabilities. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of opera makes them the perfect partner for this project. The scale and artistry they bring elevates “mellon Collie” into a truly unforgettable experience.
Costumes are being designed by House of Gilles and Chloé Mendel Corgan, what are yoru thoughts on how the visual aspects of “A Night of Mellon Collie And Infinite Sadness” will contribute to the overall experience?
Costumes by House of Gilles add another layer of artistic depth by creating a strong visual landscape for the perfomers. I think the combination of music and costume design are going to make for a groundbreaking fusion of rock and opera, blending a mix of performance art.
John Mangum,General Director of the Lyric Opera,emphasized the project expands the definition of opera. Do you agree this might attract a new audience to opera? what impact might performing “Mellon Collie” as an opera have on the future of opera?
Absolutely! I believe this project has the potential to introduce opera to a whole new generation of music lovers. By bridging the gap between rock and opera, we’re demonstrating that opera can be relevant, exciting, and accessible to a wider audience. I hope it inspires other companies to explore similar cross-genre collaborations and push the boundaries of what opera can be.
For someone who might be hesitant about seeing “Mellon Collie” as an opera, what would you say to encourage them to take a chance on this production?
I’d say, come with an open mind and prepare to be surprised. This isn’t your conventional opera; it’s a reimagining of a beloved album in a way you’ve never experienced before. It’s a chance to witness a truly unique artistic fusion and discover the emotional depth that opera and rock share. Be open to the possibilities of two great genres of music meeting in the middle.
a thought-provoking question for our readers: What other iconic rock albums do you think would translate well into an opera, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And James, thank you again for your time. We eagerly await the premiere of “A Night Of Mellon Collie And Infinite Sadness.”
My pleasure! I’m excited for everyone to experience it. Tune in to lyricopera.org for access to tickets!
