Verdi’s towering epic Aida opens Saturday, March 9

View Aida images here

CHICAGO (3/8/2024) For the first time in more than a decade, Verdi’s romantic and political drama Aida returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago, March 9 to April 7, 2024.

Music Director Enrique Mazzola cele
brates two important milestones with this production: he conducts the epic score of Aida for the very first time in his career, and Aida marks the 100th title to enter Mazzola’s vast operatic repertoire.

Aida’s classic story of duty versus desire is on spectacular display in director Francesca Zambello’s bold and stylized production, which takes its visual inspiration from the chaotic calligraphy of the celebrated street artist RETNA. Renowned choreographer Jessica Lang brings her modern edge to Aida’s powerful dance sequences.

The romantic triangle at the heart of Aida is anchored by three powerful voices: Michelle Bradley and Russell Thomas, who starred as the doomed lovers in Tosca in Lyric’s 2021/22 Season, and returning favorite Jamie Barton. The production also stars Reginald Smith, Jr., direct from his critically acclaimed star turn in Lyric’s Champion.

We hope audiences will join us for this thrilling finale of Lyric’s opera season.

View Aida images here

A high-resolution video trailer will be available soon on Lyric's YouTube channel.

Read the Aida digital program book before the performance.

Performance dates for Aida are March 9, 13 matinee, 17 matinee, 20, 23, 26, 29, April 1, 4 matinee, 7 matinee, 2024. All performances take place at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago.

Audio description, a guided touch tour of the set, and SoundShirts are available at the March 17 matinee performance. For more information, visit lyricopera.org/accessibility.

Aida is performed in Italian, with projected English titles.

The running time is 3 hours, including one intermission.

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

Lyric’s presentation of Verdi’s Aida is generously made possible by an Anonymous Donor, The Julius Frankel FoundationMary Patricia Gannon Trust, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance, Liz Stiffel, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, and ITW.

Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, and the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation as members of the Enrique Circle.

Athletico is the official provider of physical therapy for Lyric.

Lyric Opera's Season is presented by

Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, American Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

About Lyric

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.

Join us @LyricOpera on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook. #WhereChicagoSings