April 02, 2020
Lyric Family Favorites: August 7
Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! This barber really knows how to make an entrance. This week, watch as the terrifically talented bass-baritone Adam Plachetka delivers a spot-on performance of one of the trickiest arias in the repertoire as Figaro in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Plachetka made his Lyric debut four years earlier as Figaro in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, a sequel of sorts to Rossini’s Barber, with both operas based on plays in a three-part series by the French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais.
Surely you’ll need a cocktail to kick off the weekend, and we have the perfect Figaro-inspired libation to complement your opera clip. Then, meet the director of the Ryan Opera Center, Dan Novak, get to know our talented teaching artists, and make plans for some excellent opera streaming opportunities.
Can you guess the signature ingredient?
Lyric Libations: Figaro
The weekend has finally arrived! And what better way to kick it off than to watch our clip from The Barber of Seville with a cocktail in hand? We have the perfect concoction to fit the bill.
A 30+ year career with Lyric
Backstage Life with Dan Novak
As director of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Dan Novak plays a major role in guiding the next generation of artists on to successful careers in opera. He also had a strong hand in organizing the Lawrence Brownlee & Friends: The Next Chapter virtual concert. Get to know more about Dan’s career at Lyric in this edition of Backstage Life.
See why their work is life-changing
Lyric spotlight: teaching artists
Lyric’s teaching artists are essential in bringing the arts to Chicago’s larger community. In the recent shift to remote learning, they’ve been creating fun and engaging videos that teachers and parents can use at home. Get to know more about the artists doing this important work.
Find out which operas and other performances can be enjoyed from the comfort of your couch
What to stream in the upcoming week
Don’t miss the best operas and performances available for streaming this week, including The Metropolitan Opera’s Carmen, a virtual recital from Seattle Opera featuring Ryan Opera Center alumnus baritone Will Liverman, a production of The Merry Widow from Houston Grand Opera, and more!
There's a terrific power to music.
Walt Disney
A call for advocacy
The situation right now for the arts is dire. As Congress debates the next round of COVID relief, we encourage you to contact your elected officials in support of strong federal support for the arts. You can read more at Arts Alliance Illinois Covid Relief Policy Agenda for the Arts and send an email to your elected officials here. We need your voice and your support!