September 23, 2022
Lyric Family Favorites: September 23
The 2022/23 Season is off to an exciting start with Ernani, which opened September 9. In the leading roles, Russell Thomas, "a lyrically passionate Ernani" (The Wall Street Journal), and "rich-voiced soprano Tamara Wilson" (The Wall Street Journal) have the great chemistry that is crucial to this thrilling Verdi masterpiece. In a new video, the pair chat about their roles and what makes Ernani a great work.
Fiddler on the Roof is also now running through October 7, and garnering rave reviews from audiences and press alike, with The New York Times saying, "This is a Fiddler beyond Broadway proportions" and the Chicago Tribune raving, "Breathtaking...Don't miss it." Meet famed opera director Barrie Kosky in a video below, as he shares inspiration for this Fiddler production.
Plus, get ready to hear The Brightness of Light with Renée Fleming on October 8th; hear a clip from soprano Gabriella Reyes; join us at Navy Pier for Chicago Live! featuring members of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center this weekend; and explore ways to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Barrie Kosky on Fiddler on the Roof
Acclaimed director Barrie Kosky has always wanted to direct a production of Fiddler on the Roof with a large orchestra on a huge stage, and now that dream is becoming reality with Lyric’s production on stage now through October 7. In this video, the director speaks to his personal relationship with the work and its relevance today.
"¡Ya! ¡Quite esa cara!"
Soprano Gabriella Reyes made her Lyric debut in last season's production of Daniel Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas. This month, she performed at Lyric's season opening gala, and returns in a leading role in the world premiere of The Factotum next February. Enjoy her in this clip where Rosalba (Reyes) is joined by Florencia (Ana María Martínez), as the glamorous diva advises the young writer to use love to inspire her work.
Kevin Puts on his new work The Brightness of Light
On October 8, Renée Fleming and Rod Gilfry give the Chicago premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts’s The Brightness of Light. Hear directly from the composer on this fascinating new work based on letters between painter Georgia O'Keeffe and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz.
See free performances at Chicago Live!
Join us at Navy Pier on September 24 for Chicago Live!, a free performance festival featuring more than 60 of the city’s top musical, theatrical, dance, and cultural organizations. Ryan Opera Center Ensemble members Lindsey Reynolds and Ian Rucker will perform at 2:00 p.m., with Noah Lindquist accompanying them on piano.
Hispanic Heritage Month in Chicago
From September 15 through October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, and our friends at Choose Chicago have some great suggestions for how to join in the festivities here in Chicago. From museums and performing arts, to recommendations for great dining, check out the wide array of experiences that honor and celebrate Hispanic heritage in our city.