Lyric Music & More: September 22

Sometimes simpler is better. Such is the case with the charmingly old-fashioned "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," dating back to 1910 with music by Leo Friedman and lyrics by Beth Slater Whitson. In a performance from the Ryan Opera Center From Home series, recent alumna Kayleigh Decker brings the melody to life with her gorgeous tone with Music Director Craig Terry accompanying her. The talented mezzo-soprano is rapidly establishing her place in the opera world, with recent roles on Lyric's stage as Dorothée in 2018/19's Cendrillon and Kate Pinkerton in 2019/20's Madama Butterfly. Enjoy this beautiful song from an artist on the rise.

Then, see which opera character Brandon Jovanovich would like to have on his side, hear from J’Nai Bridges on what it meant for her to perform in For the Love of Lyric, remember Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her love for opera, and watch Lawrence Brownlee recording music for his new album.

This international star calls Chicagoland home

Recent Queen of Spades and Madama Butterfly star Brandon Jovanovich dominates the stage with his soaring tenor voice. You know he's an amazing artist, but did you also know one of this favorite things to do is mow the lawn? Find out more about this Lyric artist in a fun 60-second interview.

One of the stars of For the Love of Lyric

Mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges is an alumna of the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center with a major international career who still feels like Lyric is a "home away from home" for her. See what it meant to J'Nai to perform in For the Love of Lyric and how she chose the song that she sang.

Hear from J'Nai

Two all-star tenors team up

Lawrence Brownlee has recorded a new album, exclusively featuring tenor duets, to be released on November 13. Get a sneak peek with this video from the recording as Brownlee performs "All'idea di quel metallo" from The Barber of Seville with tenor Michael Spyres.

Get a preview

A feminist icon

A pioneer in the legal fight for women's rights and a historic member of the Supreme Court for 27 years, Ruth Bader Ginsburg left behind an incredible legacy. In honor of her recent passing, we look back at Justice Ginsburg's love for opera and the ways she touched the lives of many, in the arts and beyond.

Remember R.B.G.

A match made in heaven

Lyric Opera and The Joffrey Ballet are teaming up for a food drive to benefit Lakeview Pantry. On Friday, September 25 from 10am-noon, the Joffrey will accept containers (preferably plastic) of peanut butter (from team Joffrey!) and jelly (from team Lyric!) at Joffrey Tower (10 E. Randolph Street), to be donated to our friends at the Pantry. If you would like to drop off a donation, please wait outside for a volunteer to greet you rather than entering the building.

Music and the arts make a bridge across this world in a way that nothing else can.

Julie Andrews