Artelize - A Season of Intrigue and Emotion at the Lyric Opera of Chicago
main-artelize-logo

Loading...

Featured

A Season of Intrigue and Emotion at the Lyric Opera of Chicago

Step into a world of passion, intrigue, and unparalleled musical brilliance with the Lyric Opera of Chicago's latest season. This year's lineup promises an eclectic blend of classic masterpieces and bold contemporary works, each offering a unique story and emotional depth. From the timeless charm of Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' and Puccini's heart-wrenching 'La Bohème', to the socially poignant 'Blue' and the innovative 'The Listeners', this season promises to captivate audiences with its artistic excellence and emotional resonance. Discover how these productions bring new light to the art of opera, and why the Lyric Opera remains a beacon of cultural significance.

Nov 29, 2024
frame icon Share
1. The Marriage of Figaro
Experience the timeless brilliance of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This masterful opera, set in the opulent castle of Count Almaviva, delves into the intricate dynamics of human relationships. The plot revolves around the clever servants, Figaro and Susanna, who scheme to outwit their capricious employer, with the support of the Count's long-suffering wife, the Countess. Adding to the intrigue is Cherubino, opera's most endearing pageboy. This production, directed by the renowned Barbara Gaines, promises an exhilarating experience, enhanced by the dynamic conducting of Erina Yashima in her Lyric debut. The opera, sung in Italian with projected English titles, features a stellar cast of internationally acclaimed artists, including Ying Fang as Susanna, Federica Lombardi as Countess Almaviva, and Gordon Bintner as Count Almaviva. The performance is enriched by the creative contributions of set designer Jim Noone, costume designer Susan Mickey, and lighting designer Robert Wierzel. With a running time of three hours and thirty minutes, including one intermission, this production offers a profound and engaging exploration of love, deception, and redemption, all set to Mozart's unforgettable score.
titleImage
9 - 30 Nov, 2024
Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Lyric Opera House

2. Blue
Experience the powerful and poignant opera "Blue," co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Glimmerglass Festival, and Washington National Opera. This compelling narrative delves into the life of a Black middle-class family in Harlem, whose aspirations for their teenage son are tragically disrupted when he is shot by a white police officer. The opera features the evocative music of Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori, paired with a deeply sensitive libretto by Tazewell Thompson. The production stars the formidable bass Kenneth Kellogg, who has garnered acclaim in previous performances of this work, alongside mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams and baritone Norman Garrett. Sung in English with projected English titles, "Blue" is a moving exploration of contemporary social issues, brought to life through a combination of powerful vocals and dramatic storytelling. The production also includes accessible features such as ASL interpretation, audio-described performances, and touch tours, ensuring an inclusive experience for all audience members.
titleImage
Nov 16 - Dec 1, 2024
Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Lyric Opera House

3. Sondra Radvanovsky in Concert: The Puccini Heroines
Experience the brilliance of Sondra Radvanovsky as she takes the stage at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in a captivating concert titled "The Puccini Heroines." Renowned for her exceptional performances in the works of Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi, Radvanovsky now brings her extraordinary talent to the operas of Giacomo Puccini. This concert will feature excerpts from each of Puccini’s twelve operas, showcasing not only his celebrated masterpieces but also his lesser-known early works. Radvanovsky has garnered international acclaim for her portrayals of Puccini’s iconic characters, including the title roles in "Manon Lescaut," "Tosca," "Suor Angelica," and "Turandot." Her magnificent voice, impeccable stylistic command, and powerful dramatic presence make her a perfect fit for this demanding repertoire. Under the baton of Music Director Enrique Mazzola, this performance promises to be a tour-de-force, highlighting the emotional depth and musical richness of Puccini’s compositions. The concert will be sung in Italian with projected English titles, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and drama of the music. This presentation is generously supported by Sonia Florian, with Maestro Enrique Mazzola’s sponsorship provided by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, and the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation. Join us at the Lyric Opera House for an unforgettable evening celebrating the timeless allure of Puccini’s heroines.
titleImage
8 - 16 Feb, 2025
Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Lyric Opera House

4. La Bohème
Experience the timeless allure of Puccini's La Bohème, presented by the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This enduring masterpiece captures the essence of young love in 19th-century Paris, brought to life through the poignant arias of characters like the passionate poet Rodolfo, the delicate seamstress Mimì, and the spirited Musetta. The production features the remarkable talents of sopranos Ailyn Pérez and Gabriella Reyes, alongside tenor Pene Pati in his Lyric debut and baritone Will Liverman. Under the expert direction of conductor Jordan de Souza, the performance promises to be a memorable addition to Lyric Opera's storied tradition of La Bohème renditions. The opera is sung in Italian with projected English titles, ensuring an immersive experience for all attendees. The production also includes innovative accessibility features such as audio-described performances and the SoundShirt, which allows wearers to feel the music through touch sensations. With a running time of 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission, this new-to-Chicago production is set to captivate audiences with its beauty, sensitivity, and universal themes of romance and heartbreak.
titleImage
Mar 15 - Apr 12, 2025
Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Lyric Opera House

5. The Listeners
The Lyric Opera of Chicago proudly presents "The Listeners," a compelling new opera by the acclaimed composer/librettist team Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek. This gripping narrative follows Claire, a woman tormented by an incessant, low-frequency hum that only she can hear. In her quest for relief, Claire joins a group called The Listeners, dedicated to uncovering the source of the noise and eliminating it. However, the organization takes a dark turn, evolving into a cult-like entity with catastrophic consequences. Under the baton of Music Director Enrique Mazzola and the visionary direction of Lileana Blain-Cruz, the production promises a vocally and dramatically powerful experience. The opera is sung in English with projected English titles, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. The performance features a stellar cast, including Nicole Heaston as Claire, Kyle Ketelsen as Howard, and Jasmine Habersham as Ashley, among others. The Lyric Opera House will host this event, offering additional accessibility features such as audio-described performances, touch tours for patrons with low vision, and ASL-interpreted performances. The innovative SoundShirt technology will also be available, allowing wearers to feel the music through touch sensations. "The Listeners" is co-commissioned and co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, Norwegian National Opera, and Opera Philadelphia, with generous support from the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation and the Zell Family Foundation. This production is set to be one of the most significant operatic events of the 2024/25 season, showcasing the exceptional talents of its cast and creative team.
titleImage
Mar 30 - Apr 11, 2025
Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Lyric Opera House

6. A Wondrous Sound
Experience the enchanting world of opera with "Lyric in Concert: A Wondrous Sound" at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This program showcases some of the most thrilling overtures and beloved choral works in the operatic repertoire. Featuring masterworks by iconic composers such as Mozart and Puccini, the concert will be brought to life by the exceptional talents of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus and Orchestra. Under the expert guidance of Music Director Enrique Mazzola, the performance will journey through a range of emotions, from the rousing and life-affirming to the quietly introspective. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear both well-known favorites and some of the more rarely-performed pieces by your favorite composers. The Lyric Chorus and Orchestra, often the unsung heroes of many productions, will take center stage, allowing their artistry to shine. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or new to the genre, this concert promises to be a memorable celebration of the wondrous sound of opera.
titleImage
16 - 19 Apr, 2025
Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Lyric Opera House

7. Explore Your Lyric
Join us on April 26, 2025, when Lyric throws open the doors — and the curtains! — to welcome people of all ages into the Lyric Opera House for a day of exploration and fun. If you’ve always longed to see beyond the footlights and get a glimpse of how the art is made behind-the-scenes, this is a perfect opportunity to experience it all. From exciting presentations on stage movement to live music, a chance to peek into the orchestra pit, and hands-on fun, it will be a day to remember. We can’t wait to welcome you to your Lyric Opera House!
titleImage
Apr 26, 2025
Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Lyric Opera House

Conclusion
The Lyric Opera of Chicago's season is a celebration of the operatic art form in all its diversity. From timeless classics to innovative new works, each production offers a unique perspective on the human condition, resonating with audiences through powerful performances and creative storytelling. This season not only highlights the talents of world-renowned artists but also underscores the Lyric Opera's commitment to accessibility, making opera a truly inclusive art form. Whether you're a devoted opera aficionado or experiencing it for the first time, this season promises to captivate and inspire, fostering a deep appreciation for the transformative power of music and theater.
frame icon Share
2025 Artelize