Catch a Rising Star (or Several!)

There’s nothing more exciting than to hear artists on their way to stardom. Lyric is giving you that chance on Saturday, March 26, when the artists of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center perform with members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and conductor Michael Christieonstage at the Civic Opera House. While attendance at Rising Stars in Concertcontinues to be a benefit to donors of $75 and above, for the first time ever, subscribers and members of the public can purchase tickets and hear these talented artists on the cusp of their international careers!

The Ryan Opera Center is one of the most distinguished and respected professional-training programs for singers in the world. Its members are chosen from rigorous auditions, and they represent the crème de la crème of young talent.  For more than four decades, alumni of the program have been making an impressive contribution to opera nationally and internationally, starring regularly in all the major houses.    

Rising Stars in Concert 2016 is the culmination of all the work the program’s current Ensemble members have done throughout the past year as they’ve continued to hone their craft at Lyric. Think of all those hours of studying scores, coaching with the music staff, intense rehearsals, and, of course, performing on the Lyric stage! Ensemble members have all been inspired by many of the greatest singers, conductors, and directors in opera, working alongside them in Lyric’s productions. They’ve refined their technique, languages, musicianship, sense of style, acting ability — all the ingredients that go into creating memorable artistry.  

Now, at long last, the moment comes when these singers can appear onstage at Lyric in music that really shows them off! The concert promises to be musically and vocally spectacular, mixing familiar favorites (such as the Rosina/Figaro duet from The Barber of Seville) with infrequently encountered gems, whether comic (the “spinning quartet” from Flotow’s Martha, the baritone duet from Cimarosa’s Il matrimonio segreto) or devastatingly dramatic (Blanche’s meeting with her brother from Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites). One of bel canto’s most exquisite ensembles will be heard, the soprano/mezzo/tenor trio from Le Comte Ory, and American opera will be memorably represented as well with the opening scene of Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men. 

Those are just a few of the highlights — and for the first time, a member of the Ryan Opera Center will conduct the orchestra! Mario Antonio Marra, the current Ensemble’s pianist and apprentice coach, will take the Lyric podium to lead the stirring overture of Verdi’s Luisa Miller, a work performed at Lyric only once in company history, more than three decades ago.

Distinguished alumni of the Ryan Opera Center include: