April 02, 2020
Lyric Family Favorites: August 28
There are certain voices we really miss hearing in person, and one of them belongs to soprano Amanda Majeski, a highly accomplished alumna of the Ryan Opera Center. As the determined Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, she completely owns the stage, vowing to find and win back or take her revenge on the title-role cad who deserted her. Experience this scene from Lyric’s 2019 production of Mozart’s masterpiece.
Then, see how Doug Peck, music director in For the Love of Lyric, premiering September 13, is convinced that opera can change your life, listen to Jessye Norman sing “Amazing Grace,” meet Lyric’s assistant conductor Bill Billingham, and mark your calendars for Lyric’s streaming picks for next week.
“Ah, chi mi dice mai”
“Ah, chi mi dice mai” from Lyric's 2019 production of Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni starring soprano Amanda Majeski as Donna Elvira.
Doug Peck shares his passion for opera
The power of opera and how it can change your life
Doug Peck, a six-time Jeff Award winner, returns to Lyric as music director in For the Love of Lyric, premiering September 13, having served as music director for the Chicago Voices Concert in 2017. See why Doug is convinced that opera is for everyone and can change lives in this heartfelt article.
A moving tribute
Jessye Norman sings "Amazing Grace"
Some voices seem to have been made to soothe our souls during particularly trying times. In a tribute to Sidney Poitier, the first Black male actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, the legendary Jessye Norman sings “Amazing Grace” at the 1995 Kennedy Center honors. Jessye Norman is pictured above in Lyric's 1990 production of Alceste.
Lyric’s Assistant Conductor
Backstage Life: Bill Billingham
What is an assistant conductor, exactly? Meet Bill Billingham, one of Lyric’s assistant conductors for the last 25 years, and find out what goes into this important role and how his career led him to Lyric.
Mark your calendars
Week of August 31: Streaming opportunities
This week, watch Strauss’s Elektra starring Nina Stemme from Metropolian Opera, Ana María Martínez in a living room recital from LA Opera, Opera Australia’s Carmen and more!
Music must be for everybody.
Luciano Pavarotti