July 01, 2020
Opera Staycations
Feeling like cabin-fever season is never going to end? We've all been cooped for what seems like forever, so let's vacation vicariously through photos of some of escape-destination operas. We feel better already!
COSÌ FAN TUTTE: Naples, Italy
A seaside break in Naples might be just the thing to help you shake your winter blues. Check out the charming cast of Così fan tutte causing mayhem as some of Mozart’s most memorable mixed-up lovers.
Ferrando (Andrew Stenson) in repose.
Too much fun in the sun? Despina (Elena Tsallagova, c) gets ready to revive Guglielmo (Joshua Hopkins, l) and Ferrando (Andrew Stenson, r).
Who's wooing who? the disguised Ferrando (Andrew Stenson, l) and Guglielmo (Joshua Hopkins, r) confuse their fiancées Dorabella and Fiordiligi (Marianne Crebassa and Ana María Martínez, c.)
LA TRAVIATA: Paris, France
Ah, the city of lights, and night life! Why not party in Paris with Violetta, Verdi’s vibrant courtesan? Raise a glass—or a bottle—of bubbly along with your fellow partygoers for the classic “Brindisi.”
Alfredo (Giorgio Berrugi, l) and Violetta (Albina Shagimuratova, r) share the look of love after being introduced by Gastone (Mario Rojas, c).
Partying with puppets in the Arin Arbus production.
Violetta (Albina Shagimuratova) basks in the bubbly glow of Act 1.
THE PEARL FISHERS: Coastal Sri Lanka
Palm trees, beautiful music, and a love triangle? Add some drama to your trip when you visit Bizet’s troubled tropical paradise. Relax among the palms and enjoy the famous duet “Au fond du temple saint” (“At the back of the holy temple”).
Zandra Rhodes designed these vivid sets and costumes.
John Malashok choreographed the production directed by Andrew Sinclair.
Starry starry night...Leïla (Marina Rebeka) looks to the heavens for guidance.
DON GIOVANNI: Seville, Spain
Finally, a chance to break out your old Mardi Gras mask! Join the cast of Don Giovanni in Seville for a holiday filled with wine and song, and a dash of divine retribution!
Masked and dressed for action, (l-r): Donna Elvira (Amanda Majeski), Don Ottavio (Ben Bliss), and Donna Anna (Rachel Willis-Sørensen)
Masetto (Brandon Cedel) and Zerlina (Ying Fang) are bloomingly in love.
Leporello (Lucas Meachem) distracts Don Giovanni's guests while frolicking in the vineyard.
SOLE E AMORE: Italy
Finally, traverse Italy with Sole e Amore, our casual concert full of beautiful lesser-known musical gems that will transport you to a sun-drenched Italian villa. This program is curated and hosted by Lyric Music Director Designate Enrique Mazzola and presented by The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. Listen to songs by Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, and Mascagni in the delightful full concert here!
Baritone LeRoy Davis and his fine feathered friend.
Bass-baritone David Weigel pursues a bright shiny bowtie.
Maestro Enrique Mazzola has a word with mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung on the set for Sole e Amore.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker, Todd Rosenberg, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Cory Weaver