March 06, 2019

The Reviews are in for the "Bel Canto" World Premiere!

Bel Canto had its world premiere at Lyric on December 7 (Lyric’s first world premiere in over a decade!) and performances continue through January 17. Based on Ann Patchett’s bestselling 2001 novel inspired by a 1996/97 hostage crisis, the opera is both powerful and timely. See for yourself what the critics are saying!

See what critics are saying about López's BEL CANTO at Lyric Opera of Chicago



“The music is fraught, gnashing and blazingly orchestrated.” The New York Times

“A gripping performance and a thought-provoking production worthy of a world-class opera company.” Chicago Tribune

“The Lyric orchestra, under the impeccable direction of Sir Andrew Davis, sounded superb.” Chicago Sun Times

"A first-class production and strong and committed performance. " Chicago Classical Review

“The cast is consistently strong, with many young, gifted artists giving their all.” The New York Times

“Conductor Andrew Davis leads with equal parts of passion and grace.” Chicago on the Aisle

“Strong performances all around.” Chicago Reader

“Impressive young musicians.” STL Today

“Colorful, accessible, imaginatively varied music.” Chicago Tribune

“Powerful, dramatic music.” Classicalite

“An accomplished piece of work.” Chicago Tribune

“In his first opera, the Peruvian composer has crafted a compelling and remarkable score.” Chicago Classical Review

“Impeccably acted.” Daily Herald

“The orchestral score is rich and varied, novel and extremely dramatic.” Chicago Reader

Lyric Opera world premiere generously made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Helen and Sam Zell, Ethel and William Gofen, Ada and Whitney Addington, the Walter E. Heller Foundation, and Roberta L. and Robert J. Washlow, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts and Prince Charitable Trusts.

Bel Canto was created with funds from the Prince Prize for Commissioning Original Work, which was awarded to Jimmy López and Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2013.

Steingraeber & Söhne is the Official Piano of Lyric’s new production of Bel Canto, in partnership with the Grand Piano Haus, Skokie, Illinois.
Steingraeber & Söhne Grand Piano Haus