Lyric Music & More: April 5

This week, Lyric Opera of Chicago hosts the final four performances of the 2021/22 Season with Tosca and Fire Shut Up in My Bones. We hope many of you will be joining us!

Fire Shut Up in My Bones is full of touching, relatable moments and music that stays with you long after the curtain falls. One aria that is bound to become a classic is “Leave it in the Road” in Act One. Here Billie, portrayed by Latonia Moore, imparts some important life lessons to her youngest son, Char'es-Baby (Benjamin Preacely) as his older self looks on (Will Liverman). As you watch, you might recall a time when you had to remind yourself to just “leave it in the road.”

Plus, watch a clip from the famous “Te Deum” scene in Lyric’s current production of Tosca, read a deep dive into the background of Fire Shut Up in My Bones by prominent professor and author Dr. Naomi André, read a tribute to Sir Andrew Davis by music critic John von Rhein, and see footage from dance rehearsal for Fire Shut Up in My Bones.

In this pivotal scene from Tosca, the villainous police chief (sung here by Fabián Veloz in his Lyric debut), lays his trap for Tosca and her revolutionary lover in this rousing Act One finale. As his henchmen leave the church in pursuit of their prey, Scarpia revels in his nefarious plot.

Fire Shut Up in My Bones portrays Black life in America as few operas have ever done before. In this article, writer and historian Naomi André touches on the history of Black opera and interviews the artists involved about how they approached the work. 

Dive in

Last Friday, Sir Andrew Davis led the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus and vocal soloists in a nearly sold-out performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, celebrating his legacy as music director. Learn more about his extraordinary career in this tribute by music critic John von Rhein. 

Raise a toast

Co-director and choreographer Camille A. Brown has created dance sequences that add beautifully to the story and convey the emotional conflicts of the main character. Step inside the rehearsal room and hear associate choreographer Jay Staten discuss why this work is so important.