Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan is preparing a major crossover between alternative rock and classical music. He has partnered with the Lyric Opera of Chicago to present a fully staged operatic interpretation of the band’s landmark 1995 double album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The collaboration, which Corgan once doubted could ever happen, quickly turned into one of the city’s most in-demand cultural events.
Corgan says a mutual connection introduced him to Lyric Opera, and when he finally met with them, he pitched an unconventional idea: a full orchestral and choral performance of Mellon Collie interpreted through opera—not simply rock music performed with symphonic accompaniment. Lyric embraced the proposal, and the resulting production is now set for seven nearly sold-out shows, featuring a full orchestra, chorus, and opera singers, with Corgan performing as well.
Instead of forcing classical vocalists into a rock style, the music is being rebuilt through new arrangements created by Corgan and conductor James Lowe. He describes the process as “taking rock and roll into the opera,” allowing singers to express the songs in their natural vocal language. The score pulls influence from composers like George Gershwin while reshaping familiar Pumpkins tracks into newly orchestrated pieces.
During rehearsals, Corgan was moved hearing his music performed by trained opera voices. He said the collaboration isn’t just artistic—it’s cultural. The goal is to bring a younger audience into an opera house at a time when traditional institutions are struggling to compete with digital entertainment. Lyric’s artists are enthusiastic as well, recognizing the cultural impact of Mellon Collie and eager to push the opera world forward.
“A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness” will run November 21–30, 2025, combining orchestral performance, new arrangements, visual design, and fashion by House of Gilles with costumes by Gilles and Chloé Mendel Corgan. Lyric Opera CEO John Mangum says the collaboration expands what opera can be, calling it a “bold example of how an American opera company can innovate.”
SOURCE: Blabbermouth