
March 24. 2023 - April 08. 2023
Upcoming Dates
March 24. 2023 - April 08. 2023
World premiere Proximity
Sure to be one of the most widely heralded musical events of 2022/23, Proximity is a gripping, powerful trio of new works that confronts head-on some of the greatest challenges affecting us as a society: yearning for connection in a world driven by technology; the devastating impact of gun violence on cities and neighborhoods; and the need to respect and protect our natural resources. As the story zooms in and out from the individual to the community to the cosmic, we find ourselves in a compelling snapshot of 21st century life, with all of its complex intersections and commonalities. This new Lyric commission, bringing together a complement of some of the most important creative minds of our time, including winners of the Pulitzer Prize, Grammy Awards, and the MacArthur Genius Grant, promises to be by turns riveting, provocative, and inspiring.
The Walkers Composed by Daniel Bernard Roumain with libretto by Anna Deavere Smith.
Four Portraits Composed by Caroline Shaw with libretto by Caroline Shaw and Jocelyn Clarke.
Night Composed by John Luther Adams with libretto by John Haines.
Content advisory: Proximity features adult content that may not be suitable for younger audiences, including detailed, firsthand accounts of gun violence, death by gun violence, and profanity. Proximity also includes themes related to loneliness, isolation, and climate change.
- Language: Sung in English with projected English titles
- Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes with 1 intermission
- Location: Lyric Opera House
Lyric’s world premiere of Proximity is generously made possible by an Anonymous Donor, OPERA America, and support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago's Production Circle.
Videos
Articles







Meet the artists
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John Holiday *
A
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Lucia Lucas *
B
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Whitney Morrison **
Yasmine Miller
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Kearstin Piper Brown
Chief's Daughter #1
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Zoie Reams
Soloist / Chief's Daughter #2
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Gordon Hawkins
Preacher Man
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Issachah Savage
Curtis Toler
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Norman Garrett
Bilal
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Kamari Saxon
Chief's Son #2
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Ron Dukes ***
Chief's Son #1 / Passenger 8
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Kathryn Henry ***
Passenger 1
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Lindsey Reynolds ***
Passenger 2 / Very Loud Girl
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Stephanie Sanchez
Passenger 3
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Kathleen Felty **
Passenger 4
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Cornelius Johnson
Passenger 5
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Alejandro Luévanos ***
Passenger 6
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Darren Drone
Passenger 7
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Jeff Parker *
Arne Duncan
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Jamion Cotten
Lil' Bunchy Bates
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Corinne Wallace-Crane
GPS
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Daniel Bernard Roumain
Composer
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Anna Deavere Smith
Librettist
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Caroline Shaw
Composer & Librettist
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Jocelyn Clarke
Librettist
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John Luther Adams
Composer
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John Haines
Librettist
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Kazem Abdullah *
Conductor
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Yuval Sharon
Director
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Jason H. Thompson
Production Designer
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Kaitlyn Pietras
Production Designer
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Carlos J Soto
Costume Designer
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Jody Elff
Sound Designer
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Michael Black
Chorus Master
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Josephine Lee
Children's Chorus Master
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Rena Butler
Choreographer
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Renée Fleming
Curator
CORNELIUS JOHNSON
PASSENGER 5
UNITING VOICES CHICAGO
* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumnus
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Program book
Go inside this production of Proximity with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.