Share

Experience the profound emotional depth of Ludwig van Beethoven's only opera, "Fidelio," at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This production, conducted by the esteemed Enrique Mazzola, is a powerful political thriller that delves into themes of justice and freedom. The story follows the courageous Leonore, who disguises herself as a young man to infiltrate a prison and rescue her husband. The production, directed by Matthew Ozawa, has been praised for its transformative and thoughtful examination of these timeless ideals. The cast features the vocally radiant South African soprano Elza van den Heever as Leonore, alongside American tenor Russell Thomas and baritone Brian Mulligan, both of whom are Lyric favorites. The opera is sung in German with projected English titles, ensuring that the audience can fully engage with the narrative and its emotional nuances. Adding to the immersive experience, the Lyric Opera offers guided touch tours tailored for patrons who are blind or have low vision, as well as audio-described performances that provide concise, objective descriptions of new scenes, settings, costumes, and body language. Additionally, the innovative SoundShirt technology allows wearers to feel the music through touch sensations on their upper body, synchronizing with the orchestra and singers in real time. This presentation of "Fidelio" is generously supported by The Negaunee Foundation, an anonymous donor, and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary. The production team includes lighting designer Yuki Nakase Link, costume designer Jessica Jahn, and chorus director Michael Black, all contributing to a visually and aurally stunning performance.

Join Nicholas Kraemer and four preeminent singers for a selection of Handel’s brilliant and soul-stirring vocal numbers, which explore the full spectrum of human emotions — from utmost sorrow to joy and sensuality. Plus, enjoy music fit for a king with Handel’s Water Music, composed for the royal court of George I, and Mozart’s grand Coronation Mass.

This storybook program opens with Beethoven’s incisive take on the Prometheus myth and musical highlights from Humperdinck’s fairy-tale adventure, Hansel and Gretel. Strauss’ fantastical, symphonic interpretation of Don Quixote pits the befuddled “Man of La Mancha” — represented here by Principal Cello John Sharp — against a flurry of windmills, sorcerers and bleating sheep.

Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti returns with Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, a work that shattered the symphonic conventions of its day, with themes of heroism, struggle and triumph. Beethoven’s majestic Emperor Concerto features Mitsuko Uchida, who brings “the unaffected wisdom and clarity that comes with decades of interpretive rigor and commitment” (The New York Times).

Brimming with wry wit and affectionate warmth, Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto was a gift for his teenage son. Here, it’s a showcase for the brilliant Lahav Shani, who conducts from the keyboard. Beethoven’s powerful Egmont Overture captures the brave struggle for freedom and justice, while Brahms’ stormy and heroic First Symphony is the culmination of years of labor by the composer.

Composed as Napoleon’s forces were threatening Austria, Haydn’s Mass in Time of War features an extraordinarily ominous use of timpani and ends with a plea for peace. Beethoven’s spirited First Symphony bears the influence of Haydn but also foreshadows the development of his own compositional style. MacMillan’s eloquent Larghetto is based on his choral setting of Psalm 51.

Don’t miss this chance to hear one of today’s fastest-rising stars, as Japanese pianist Mao Fujita celebrates the music of Mozart — whose complete sonatas he recorded — along with pieces by Beethoven and Chopin. “It was obvious from the very beginning,” writes The Guardian of his Wigmore Hall debut, “that he does have something personal and fresh to bring to these works.”

Emanuel Ax, praised for “his seemingly effortless dexterity and the unnerving clarity of his artistic vision” (San Francisco Chronicle), navigates the intricate melodies of timeless compositions. Delve into the romantic depths of Beethoven’s hauntingly beautiful Moonlight Sonata and Schumann’s bold, soul-searching C Major Fantasy.

Evgeny Kissin’s recitals “evoke an earlier era of great Romantic pianism” (Boston Globe) with their “formidable blend of technical prowess and exploratory fervor” (San Francisco Chronicle). Mixing grandeur and intimacy, Kissin presents signature repertoire by Beethoven and Chopin, plus a set of Shostakovich selections, each strikingly vivid in character and mood.

Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson has won legions of fans for his thoughtfully constructed, sublimely played recordings and videos. They have drawn accolades including Gramophone’s Artist of the Year and BBC Music Magazine’s Album of the Year in 2019. Ólafsson takes listeners through Beethoven’s final three piano sonatas, comprising one of music’s great spiritual journeys.