Free Pre-Opera Lectures
Lyric Opera of Chicago will offer free pre-opera lectures for all eight operas being presented in the 2008/09 season. One hour before every performance (except Opening Night, Sept. 27) a lecturer will give a free 30-minute talk on the opera that follows.
All pre-opera lectures will take place on the main floor of the Ardis Krainik Theatre. Seating is unreserved, and while there is no charge for admission, an opera ticket for that specific performance is required. Doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the lectures, which begin an hour before the performance begins.
MANON
October 1, 4 (matinee), 7, 11, 15 (matinee), 18, 21, 24, 27, 31.
Evening pre-opera lectures begin at 6:30 p.m.; matinee lectures begin at 1 p.m.
Chicago-based baritone Philip Kraus, a frequent performer at Lyric, lecturer.THE PEARL FISHERS
October 6, 10, 13, 16 (matinee), 19 (matinee), 22, 25 November 1, 4.
Evening pre-opera lectures begin at 6:30 p.m.; matinee lectures begin at 1 p.m.
Lyric Opera Audience Education Manager Jesse Gram, lecturer.LULU
Nov. 7, 10, 15, 19, 22, 25, 30 (matinee).
Due to the early evening curtain time of 7 p.m., evening pre-opera lectures begin at 6:00 p.m.; matinee lecture begins at 1 p.m.
Lyric Dramaturg Roger Pines, lecturer.PORGY AND BESS
November 18, 21, 23 (matinee), 26 (matinee), 29, December 3, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 (matinee), 19.
Evening pre-opera lectures begin at 6:30 p.m.; matinee lectures begin at 1 p.m.
Ethnomusicologist and University of Chicago Associate Professor of Music & the Humanities Travis A. Jackson, lecturer.MADAMA BUTTERFLY
December 13, 17, 20, January 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 (matinee), 21 (matinee), 24, 29 (matinee).
Evening pre-opera lectures begin at 6:30 p.m.; matinee lectures begin at 1 p.m.
98.7WFMT Radio Host Carl Grapentine, lecturer.TRISTAN UND ISOLDE
January 27, 31, February 4, 8 (matinee), 12, 16, 20, 24, 28.
Due to the early curtain times of 6:00 and 1:00, evening pre-opera lectures begin at 5:00 p.m. and matinee lecture begins at noon.
Lyric Dramaturg Roger Pines, lecturer.CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA & PAGLIACCI
February 14, 18, 22 (matinee), 25, March 4 (matinee), 9, 14, 17, 20, 23, 27.
Evening pre-opera lectures begin at 6:30 p.m.; matinee lectures begin at 1 p.m.
98.7WFMT Radio Host Carl Grapentine, lecturer.THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO
March 2, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 (matinee), 22 (matinee), 25, 28.
Evening pre-opera lectures begin at 6:30 p.m.; matinee lectures begin at 1 p.m.
Lyric General Director William Mason and Lyric Director of Operations Nicholas Ivor Martin, lecturers.Speakers may change without notice.
Lyric's pre-opera lectures are generously sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Edward O. Boshell, Jr. with matching funds provided by Kip Kelley.
