John Mangum has been appointed as the new General Director, President, and CEO of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, succeeding Anthony Freud, who retired after 13 years. Mangum, 49, previously served as the CEO of the Houston Symphony since 2018 and has extensive experience in various prestigious orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic. He expressed enthusiasm about leading the Lyric Opera, emphasizing his passion for connecting classical music with wider audiences and uplifting talented artists. Mangum's academic background includes a Ph.D. in musicology, which he believes will aid his leadership in the opera sector. His appointment marks him as the fifth head of the Lyric Opera since its inception in 1954. The Lyric Opera, recognized for its storied legacy, hopes to evolve under Mangum's guidance to engage more effectively with contemporary audiences.