May 18, 2021

Lyric Music & More: May 18

Have you watched the virtual concert Celebrating Sir Andrew Davis, from Mozart to Stravinsky? As Lyric celebrated his tenure as music director and principal conductor, Maestro Davis assembled the largest instrumental ensemble we’ve had for any virtual concert, and the result was exhilarating. Joined on stage by a starry cast of soloists — Janai Brugger, Amanda Majeski, Kayleigh Decker, Matthew Polenzani, and Kyle Ketelsen — with members of the Lyric Opera Chorus performing from their homes, Sir Andrew led us through highlights from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. If you missed the premiere or just want to experience it again, you can now watch the full concert on demand.

Plus, hear from the performers in Pasión Latina through interviews with soprano Ana María Martínez, get a first look at the beautiful murals and costumes in the upcoming production Hansel & Gretel in the Park, and mark your calendar for the exciting finale of Beyond the Aria.

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Celebrating Sir Andrew Davis, from Mozart to Stravinsky

This spring, Sir Andrew Davis celebrates more than three decades of memorable music and moments at Lyric Opera of Chicago. In his final appearance as music director and principal conductor, Maestro Davis leads renowned singers Janai Brugger, Kayleigh Decker, Kyle Ketelsen, Amanda Majeski, and Matthew Polenzani in selections from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Stravinsky’s The Rake's Progress with members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Chorus; plus personal tributes from some of opera’s brightest stars.

Ana María Martínez interviews the artists of Pasión Latina

For the virtual concert Pasión Latina, alumni and current members of the Ryan Opera Center gathered to perform alongside star soprano Ana María Martínez. Hear what inspired them to pursue careers in music, and their hopes and dreams for the future, in this revealing set of video interviews.

Hear their stories

The magical world of Hansel & Gretel in the Park

This delightful adaptation of Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel marks Lyric's debut collaboration with the Chicago Park District. In an interview with Hansel scenic and costume designer Scott Marr, who is also Lyric's wardrobe, wigs, and makeup director, see what goes into creating the unique set pieces and costumes for this family-friendly outdoor show.

Explore with us 

Beyond the Aria with Joyce DiDonato

Multi-Grammy Award winner Joyce DiDonato performs with Ryan Opera Center Ensemble members Denis Vélez and Lunga Eric Hallam, series artistic director and pianist Craig Terry, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist Kenneth Olsen in this triumphant finale to the Harris Theater's 2020/21 Beyond the Aria virtual season. Available to watch May 20 - May 27.

Mark your calendar

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Where words fail, music speaks.”

Hans Christian Andersen

Photos: Kyle Flubacker, Simon Pauly

Costume illustration: Scott Marr