Lyric Family Favorites: November 6

When Sir Andrew Davis made his Lyric Opera of Chicago debut in the 1987/88 Season, it was with an opera near and dear to his heart, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Now, in his final season as music director, he shares his deep knowledge and passion for this music as he coaches the members of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center.

In the latest episode of a new series of master classes featuring Sir Andrew Davis, he works with soprano Maria Novella Malfatti, a first-year ensemble member of the Ryan Opera Center, on the role of Susanna and bass-baritone David Weigel, a third-year ensemble member, on the role of Figaro. Witness the incredible level of detail that goes into preparing these roles for the stage, and get a sneak peek at this episode now before it premieres later this afternoon.

Plus, learn about Lyric Music Director Designate Enrique Mazzola’s unique perspective on the bel canto style, see our opera streaming picks for next week, and catch a new episode of Breaking Down the Score.

“Verismo was the death of bel canto”

Lyric Music Director Designate Enrique Mazzola is one of the leading conductors of the bel canto style of opera. In an interview with Opera News magazine, he shares his vision of this beloved style and what sets it apart from other types of opera.

Get the full scoop

Get cozy on your couch with full-length operas

This week, enjoy operas by Tchaikovsky, Strauss and Puccini from The Metropolitan Opera, Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliacci from Houston Grand Opera, Boris Godunov from San Francisco Opera, and more in our weekly streaming guide.

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Part 6: Scena e Romanza Odabella

Act One begins with pure Italian Romanticism as Odabella looks to the moonlit sky and dreams of her late father and lost love, Foresto. Hear how five musicians set the scene for this magical bel canto moment and all the hope Verdi instills in a single trill.

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Music is well said to be the speech of angels.

Thomas Carlyle