July 28, 2023

Lyric Family Favorites: July 28

A conductor plays a very important role in the making of a great opera performance. The orchestra and principal artists look to the conductor not just for timing cues, but also for direction on shaping a musical phrase. In the 2023/24 Season, we have assembled an exceptional lineup of conductors that represent some of the brightest talent in the opera world today. Meet some of the conductors in this feature article, which will surely leave you excited for the season to come.

Meet the maestri

Plus, watch Tomasz Konieczny perform a selection from The Flying Dutchman at the Metropolitan Opera, mark your calendar for Sunday in the Park with Lyric, watch outstanding opera films at home, and don’t miss The Magic Flute at Ravinia.

Tomasz Konieczny sings “Dich frage ich”

Bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny returns to the Lyric stage this season in the title role of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. In his recent performance of the role at the Metropolitan Opera, he “seemed to channel supernatural forces” (The New York Times).

Watch him sing

Sunday in the Park

Pack your picnic, bring your friends, and join us for a free outdoor concert featuring highlights from the 2023/24 Season with Sunday in the Park with Lyric on August 20. Look back at the early days of this great tradition and see what’s on tap in this article.

Take a look back

Watch Pagliacci and The Factotum on Film

Missing opera this summer? We have two great films for you to watch to satiate your “opera-tite” until the season begins in September. Watch the film of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, which won a Midwest Emmy, and don’t miss The Factotum on Film, available now through September 19.

Watch Pagliacci

Watch The Factotum on Film

Enjoy opera under the stars at Ravinia

Lyric favorites Janai Brugger, Matthew Polenzani, Joshua Hopkins, Kathryn Lewek join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under conductor Marin Alsop at Ravinia on August 4 and 6 for a performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Lawn seats are still available.

Learn more

Photos: Joe Mazza, Igor Omulecki, Kyle Flubacker, Cory Weaver