In a hallmark of his partnership with the CSO, Riccardo Muti takes center stage to conduct selections from Verdi’s enthralling, passion-filled operas. The program also features a lineup of treasured Italian opera repertoire performed by internationally acclaimed singers and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

EPSG:4326

An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The action unfolds in Imperial Rome, during the reign of Tiberius. The general Publio returns victorious from his campaign against the Sarmatians. Everyone assumes that his triumph will culminate in a marriage to Argelia, the daughter of the powerful senator Murena. Yet Murena is tormented by the thought of Settimio—the tribune of the people he betrayed and sent into exile, and whom Argelia once loved. Because of this, she keeps her distance from him and harbors deep resentment.

L'esule di Roma

Gaetano Donizetti Theater

Based on Victor Hugo’s play, Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia is a powder keg of horrendous crimes, fierce passion, and rivalry between powerful 18th-century Italian leaders. The notoriously cruel Lucrezia Borgia must fight for her independence and reputation, tarnished by slander and jealousy, while protecting her heart-wrenching secret. The piece paints the portrait of a determined, powerful woman, reduced to criminal revenge by a society which forbids her from straying from her path. A true epitome of bel canto, the melodramatic opera genre is embodied by large ensembles and arias replete with vocal prowess. The lead must be dazzlingly virtuosic; at the Lyon Opera, it is sung by phenomenal soprano Lidia Friedman, in a production directed by Tatjana Gürbaca. Following L’Incoronazione di Poppea and The Girl of the Golden West, Gürbaca continues her exploration of major opera sagas with her Lucrezia Borgia.

Lidia Fridman

Events

Upcoming events

10 - 29 Nov, 2026

L'esule di Roma · Fondazione Teatro Donizetti

Mar 20 - Apr 5, 2027

Lucrezia Borgia · Opéra National De Lyon

Mar 20 - Apr 5, 2027

Lucrezia Borgia · Opéra National De Lyon

Past events

19 - 21 Mar, 2026

An Opera Night with Riccardo Muti · Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Lucrezia Borgia in Lucrezia Borgia by Donizetti

Opéra National De Lyon

Argelia in L'esule di Roma by Donizetti

Fondazione Teatro Donizetti

About

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