Leila Bowie from The Statue of Venus sings "Pop-up Opera."

Heard an aria while you were strolling down Michigan Ave? The rich tones of a baritone while you were ordering breakfast? Don’t be surprised: Chicago Opera Theater is literally bringing opera to the people with its week long series of “Pop-up Opera” performances around the city. These brief ‘flash’ performances of popular opera favorites will be performed by COT Young Artists in unexpected public places throughout Chicago. Go to Chicagooperatheater.org/operaweek for hints on where and when “Pop-up Opera” will be that week, or hit up http://twitter.com/chicagoopera for frequent Twitter alerts. Keep your ears perked, as the stray voice of a soprano could also earn you some swag. Anyone who includes #popupopera in a tweet when they witness a “Pop-up Opera” performance during National Opera Week will automatically be entered in a contest. Prizes include subscriptions to Chicago Opera Theater, $50 gift cards from COT preferred restaurants and tickets to Kathleen Battle at the Harris Theater on Dec 18.

UPDATE: In addition to offering a pair of tickets to the Kathleen Battle performance as a prize for the COT “Pop-Up Opera” contest, the Harris is offering $5 off all tickets to the Battle performance booked during National Opera Week.