Billy Corgan Debuts ‘A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness’ Opera in Chicago
Billy Corgan, the frontman of the Smashing Pumpkins, has taken a bold step into the world of opera with the debut of his long-anticipated operatic adaptation of the iconic album *Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness* on November 21 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This groundbreaking production reimagines the band’s seminal 1995 double album, which not only marked a peak in the band’s commercial success but also solidified its place in rock history. The original album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and garnered seven Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, showcasing hits like “Tonight, Tonight,” “1979,” and “Bullet With Butterfly Wings.” The operatic adaptation aims to breathe new life into these classic tracks, transforming them into a symphonic experience featuring a full operatic cast and orchestra.
Corgan took to the stage as a featured vocalist, accompanied by a talented ensemble that included soprano Sydney Mancasola, mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams, tenor Dominick Valdés Chenes, and baritone Edward Parks. The Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, under the baton of conductor James Lowe—who has been instrumental in reworking the score—brought a fresh orchestral perspective to the beloved songs. Reflecting on the creative process, Corgan expressed his excitement about revisiting the album nearly three decades later, 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.” He emphasized the emotional storytelling inherent in both opera and rock, aiming to create a production that honors both traditions.
*Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness* remains one of the Smashing Pumpkins’ most significant works, having achieved diamond certification from the RIAA and producing enduring hits that resonate with fans to this day. The Lyric Opera’s adaptation not only celebrates the album’s legacy but also invites a diverse audience to experience its themes of melancholy and triumph through a new lens. As the production continues its limited run in Chicago, it promises to be a captivating blend of rock nostalgia and operatic grandeur, appealing to both longtime fans of the band and newcomers to the operatic genre. This innovative fusion of musical styles highlights Corgan’s artistic evolution and the timelessness of his work, making it an event not to be missed.
Billy Corgan
debuted the long-anticipated operatic adaptation of
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
on Fri., Nov. 21, with the
Smashing Pumpkins
leader performing on opening night at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The new production presents a symphonic and operatic reimagining of the band’s 1995 double album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and marked a defining moment in the group’s commercial peak. Across the evening, selections including “Tonight, Tonight,” “1979,” and “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” were transformed for a full operatic cast and orchestra.
Corgan appeared as a featured vocalist throughout the performance, joined by soprano Sydney Mancasola, mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams, tenor Dominick Valdés Chenes and baritone Edward Parks. The Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus performed under conductor James Lowe, who has been one of Corgan’s key collaborators in reworking the score for the stage.
In a previous statement, Corgan said the process allowed him to reconsider the album nearly 30 years on. “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 said.
“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.”
Originally released in Oct. 1995,
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
earned seven Grammy nominations, including album of the year. It produced two of the band’s most enduring singles with “1979” (which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100) and “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” the latter winning the group a Grammy for best hard rock performance. The album remains one of the Smashing Pumpkins’ most critically and commercially significant projects, certified diamond by the RIAA.
The Lyric Opera production continues its limited run in Chicago through the coming week.
