Lyric Family Favorites: November 20

As we head into winter, it’s easy to relate to Delilah’s character in the beautiful aria “Printemps qui commence” from Camille Saint-Saëns’s Samson and Delilah. In it she sings of the beauties of spring and how she will wait for its return, along with her lover, Samson. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait to enjoy the incredible voice of mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges; we can listen to her stunning interpretation on demand in this clip from Lawrence Brownlee & Friends: The Next Chapter. You can still enjoy the full concert, too, through the month of December.

Then, see what makes mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard tick in a rapid-fire interview, see the best operas to stream online next week, and watch new episodes of Breaking Down the Score and Master Classes with Sir Andrew Davis.

Don’t get between her and a good nap

Isabel Leonard, star of Lyric’s much loved-production of Rossini’s Cinderella, reveals her favorite things to listen to and munch on in a quick-fire interview.

Hear works by Stravinsky, Ravel, Mozart, and Wagner

See Lyric Music Director Designate Enrique Mazzola conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in two programs on December 3 and 4: Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23.

Get tickets

Mark your calendars

The Metropolitan Opera offers Il trovatore, Hamlet, and more, while San Francisco Opera shows Elixir of Love—all in our weekly streaming guide.

Stream on

Episode 4: Leroy Davis & Maria Novella Malfatti

Step behind the scenes as Music Director Sir Andrew Davis leads a series of one-on-one master classes focused on one of his favorite operas: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro with members of the 2020/21 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble.

In this episode, hear first-year baritone Leroy Davis as Count Almaviva and first-year soprano Maria Novella Malfatti as Susanna, accompanied by Chris Reynolds on piano.

Part 8: Scena e Aria Attila

Attila wakes from a nightmare, his heart frozen by fear as he recounts being turned away from the gates of Rome by a ghostly old man. The melody (which is reminiscent of the Commendatore from Mozart’s Don Giovanni), is repeated four times before Attila shakes off the feeling of dread and decides to take action in a powerful cabaletta and massive finale.

Tune in each week and be the first to see new episodes by subscribing to Lyric's channel on YouTube.

One must practice slowly, then more slowly, and finally slowly.

Camille Saint-Saëns