March 17, 2023

Lyric Family Favorites: March 17

Usually, an opera performer approaching a role has to interpret what the composer of the work intended, using what’s written on the page. However, as countertenor John Holiday and mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams begin rehearsals for the world premiere of Proximity, they can actually speak with the composers. See what the two had to say about working with living composers and bringing their own style to their roles in this new edition of “Mixing it Up.”

Plus, see what’s in store for the 2023/24 Season, watch J’Nai Bridges perform the “Habanera,” read some of the inspiration for Four Portraits from Proximity, watch director Marie Lambert discuss the enduring power of Carmen, and get your tickets for Beyond the Aria on March 28.

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John Holiday and Zoie Reams on working with living composers

Much of the traditional operatic repertoire was created long ago, leaving any future interpretation up to directors, conductors, and individual artists. In this episode of "Mixing it Up," Proximity stars John Holiday and Zoie Reams discuss the perks of collaborating with living composers and librettists like Caroline Shaw, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Anna Deavere Smith, and John Luther Adams.

Explore the 2023/24 Season

The 2023/24 Season was announced earlier this week, and there is so much to look forward to. With classic favorites and exciting Lyric premieres, Lyric’s season includes some of the biggest stars and most exciting productions in the opera world.

Discover more

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Announcing Lyric Opera of Chicago's 2023/24 Season

From beloved favorites to captivating new works, Lyric's 2023/24 Season has something for everyone. See grand stories come to life onstage, be dazzled by special concerts, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

J’Nai Bridges sings the “Habanera”

One of the most instantly recognizable operatic melodies, the “Habanera” from Carmen has truly stood the test of time. Watch as mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges sings the famous aria in this clip. Carmen is on stage now through April 7, with six performances remaining.

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J’Nai Bridges performs "L’amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Habanera) from CARMEN

Carmen is a woman who knows how to make an entrance. In this seductive Act I aria, the men outside the cigarette factory hang on her every word as she sings about the fickle nature of love.

Creator’s note: Four Portraits

Caroline Shaw and Jocelyn Clarke’s Four Portraits for Proximity explores loneliness and yearning for connection in a world driven by technology. Learn more about what to expect from the music in this piece as well as some of the material that inspired it in this creator’s note.

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Marie Lambert on Carmen

Despite a cold reception when it first premiered in Paris in 1875, Bizet’s Carmen has since become one of the most popular operas in the world. Director Marie Lambert discusses why Carmen has stood the test of time. Hint: “It’s magic.”

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Director Marie Lambert-Le Bihan on the magic of CARMEN

Carmen is a character full of contradictions — equal parts brave and vulnerable. In this conversation, director Marie Lambert-Le Bihan discusses why audiences connect with this multifaceted character and the artistic commitment necessary to play the iconic role.

Beyond the Aria

Join us on March 28 for Beyond the Aria, starring J’Nai Bridges, Charles Castronovo, and Denis Vélez, who all star in Carmen. These stars will perform repertoire of their choosing in an intimate and interactive setting, against the backdrop of Millennium Park.

Get tickets

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One needs more than ambition and talent to make a success of anything, really. There must be love and a vocation.”

Jessye Norman

Photos: Michael Cooper/Canadian Opera Company, Todd Rosenberg, Mathias Bord, Kait Moreno