Conductor

Artistic Director

The 19th century’s most enduring oratorio, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, sung here in English, depicts the story of the biblical prophet Elijah, complete with his ascent to heaven on a flaming chariot. James Conlon leads the assembled forces, including Chicago favorite Lucas Meachem in the mighty title role and the Chicago Symphony Chorus performing the work’s pensive and ecstatic ensembles.

EPSG:4326

Mendelssohn Elijah

Symphony Center

Directed by the Goya Award-winning Mario Gas, this stunning Madame Butterfly gets a cinematic twist as all the action takes place on a 1930s film set. Korean soprano Karah Son reprises her signature role as Puccini’s tragic heroine trying to find her way in a world dominated by men. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous Pinkerton, with Hyona Kim as Suzuki, Cio-Cio-San’s devoted maid who sees right past his gentlemanly facade, and Michael Sumuel as Sharpless, the sympathetic American consul. James Conlon, "the most accomplished music director currently working on the podium of an American opera house" (Opera News), opens the season conducting Puccini's poignant and unforgettable score.

Madame Butterfly

The Music Center

Dvořák’s ninth and final symphony is also his most famous. Dubbed “From the New World” as the composer wrote it while in America and borrowed heavily from American spiritual tunes, it captures something of the grandeur and frontier spirit of the day, even in the tender second movement, an orchestral expression of the song “Goin’ Home.” This concert fuses the new world with the old, as Mozart’s stormy 40th symphony and the overture to his brief comedy The Impresario fill out the front half of the program.

 Dvořák’s “New World” and Mozart’s 40th

Sundance Square

Mozart’s razor-sharp comedy is back in a delightful production by director Michael Cavanagh. A stylish set by Erhard Rom updates the action to a swanky American country club, bursting with kitsch and color. James Conlon conducts a fantastic ensemble cast, led by longtime LA Opera favorites Ana María Martínez and Rod Gilfry as the schemers behind the deception. Featuring an endless parade of exquisite ensembles, Mozart’s deliciously scandalous opera is a can’t-miss for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

Cosi Fan Tutte

Verdi master James Conlon conducts Rigoletto, featuring some of the most famous music in history. Quinn Kelsey, the premier Verdi baritone of his generation, returns to star in the title role, with tenor René Barbera as the suave and sadistic Duke and Italian soprano Rosa Feola as Gilda, his unsuspecting prey. Stage director Tomer Zvulun updates the action to Mussolini’s Italy, transporting audiences to a realm of glittering grandeur that’s absolutely rotten to the core.

James Conlon

Conductor, Artistic Director

Events

Apr 12, 2024 - Apr 11, 2025

Mendelssohn Elijah · Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Sep 21 - Oct 13, 2024

Madame Butterfly · LA Opera

3 - 5 Jan, 2025

Dvořák’s “New World” and Mozart’s 40th · Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

8 - 30 Mar, 2025

Cosi Fan Tutte · LA Opera

May 31 - Jun 21, 2025

Rigoletto · LA Opera

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