“Sogno d’or”

Giacomo Puccini, "Sogno d'or"
Leroy Davis, baritone; Enrique Mazzola, piano

Puccini enthusiasts will experience a delicious shock of recognition when listening to "Sogno d'or" ("Sweet dream"), composed in 1912. Five years later, this exquisite melody would be adapted to become the main theme for one of the pinnacles of romance in Puccini's operas: the glorious quartet from the second act of La rondine. In the operatic version, the song retains the sweetness of the original, while giving it a memorably grand expansiveness that wouldn't have been appropriate for this lullaby setting. Here the singer is clearly a parent singing to a sleeping baby, "may angels come from heaven and tell of fairies and treasures."

Meet the artists

*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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The Sole E Amore performance you enjoyed is just one example of how Lyric Opera of Chicago is expanding the definition of what opera means in today's world.

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About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

Learn more about the Ryan Opera Center

Photos: Kyle Flubacker