Macbeth opens Friday, September 17

September 17 - October 9

View Macbeth Trailer Here

CHICAGO, IL (9/17/21) — Adapting one of the greatest tragedies written by his hero, Shakespeare, Verdi created a stunning portrait of the most power-hungry couple who ever trod a stage. Macbeth’s bloody ascent to the throne of Scotland — led and supported by his wife’s own consuming ambition — results in disaster for them both. Verdi brings them to blazing life in a score that bristles with energy and endless excitement. Grand-scale arias, hair-raising duets, stupendous ensembles — they’re all here, in the first genuine masterpiece of Verdi’s career. Starring Craig Colclough in the title role making his Lyric debut, Sondra Radvanovsky making her role debut as Lady Macbeth, Joshua Guerrero as Macduff, and Ryan Opera Center alumnus Christian Van Horn as Banco.

Lyric’s riveting season opener is the inaugural production of Music Director Enrique Mazzola's tenure, and a brand-new production from Sir David McVicar. Production design is by John Macfarlane; costumes by Moritz Junge; original lighting design by David Finn; with choreography by Andrew George. The Lyric Opera Chorus is prepared by chorus master Michael Black.

Join Lyric Opera of Chicago for the opening night of the 67th Season and the first live, in-person performance in 18 months.

View Lyric’s Macbeth program book here.

View Lyric’s Macbeth music information summary here.

View Macbeth images here

Please utilize Lyric Opera's online press room, where you can easily access the latest images, artwork, and video files, plus press releases — all in one place. We've introduced a password-protected area within the press room to enable media access to images.

Performance dates for Macbeth are September 17, 23, and 30 and October 3, 6, and 9 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr., Chicago. Performance times vary.

For tickets and information call 312.827.5600 or go to lyricopera.org/macbeth.

Macbeth is performed in Italian with projected English translations. Estimated running time is 3 hours, including one intermission.

Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by the following members of the Enrique Circle

Lyric’s new co-production of Verdi’s Macbeth is generously made possible by

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can.

Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved, inspired, and connected.

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