Ernani

The 2022/23 Season opens with a thrilling continuation of Lyric's acclaimed early Verdi series. Ernani reveals Verdi at his most irresistibly melodic and dramatic. A persecuted nobleman forced to disguise himself as an outlaw, Ernani loves beautiful Elvira, but she's pursued by two other men — her uncle, Silva, and the King of Spain, Carlo. This "love quadrangle" inspires grand-scale arias and ensembles, bursting with the unique energy and drive that were Verdi's own. Music Director Enrique Mazzola leads a quartet of world-renowned Verdians in Lyric's sumptuously beautiful production that is designed to bring you an exhilarating operatic experience.

Language: Sung in Italian with projected English titles
Running Time: 2 hours 50 minutes with 2 intermissions
Location: Lyric Opera House

Audio-described performance

Audio-described performances include a narration which guides the listener through the presentation with concise, objective descriptions of new scenes, settings, costumes, and body language, communicated to the patron through headphones at appropriate times throughout the performance. Devices may be borrowed from coat check 1 on the main floor.
Touch tour

Guided touch tours tailored to patrons who are blind or have low-vision are held prior to the performance.
View Full Calendar

Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by the following members of the Enrique Circle: Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, and Robert & Penelope Steiner Family Foundation.

The Enrique Circle is comprised of Lyric's most dedicated supporters who are committed to championing Maestro Enrique Mazzola's exciting artistic vision and legacy.

Lyric's presentation of Verdi's Ernani is generously made possible by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, the Robert & Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Abbot and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O'Leary. Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago's Production Circle.

Meet the artists

Russell Thomas

Ernani

Russell Thomas

Ernani

American tenor Russell Thomas is one of today’s most admired and stylistically versatile artists on the world’s most important stages.

Learn More
Tamara Wilson

Elvira

Tamara Wilson

Elvira

Soprano Tamara Wilson made her Lyric debut in Il Trovatore (2018|19)

Learn More
Quinn Kelsey **

Carlo

Quinn Kelsey

Carlo

Ryan Opera Center alumnus

Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey's credits include 18 roles at Lyric since 2003|04, recently Miller/Luisa Miller (2019|20).

Learn More
Christian Van Horn **

Silva

Christian Van Horn

Silva

Ryan Opera Center alumnus

The American bass-baritone, a Ryan Opera Center alumnus and winner of the 2018 Richard Tucker Award has appeared in many roles on Lyric's stage.

Learn More
Enrique Mazzola

Conductor

Enrique Mazzola

Conductor

As of July 1, 2021, Italian conductor Enrique Mazzola is music director of Lyric Opera of Chicago. He is only the third person to serve in this capacity at Lyric, following the tenures of Sir Andrew Davis and the late Bruno Bartoletti.

Learn More
Louisa Muller

Director

Louisa Muller

Director

Louisa Muller has directed Madama Butterfly and Carmen at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Learn More
Scott Marr

Set & Costume Designer

Scott Marr

Set & Costume Designer

Wardrobe, wigs, and makeup director at Lyric since 2007, Scott Marr serves as a liaison between Lyric’s stage management and the company’s directors and designers.

Learn More
Duane Schuler

Lighting Designer

Duane Schuler

Lighting Designer

Former resident lighting designer Duane Schuler worked on more than 140 productions at Lyric Opera since 1977.

Learn More
Michael Black

Chorus Master

Michael Black

Chorus Master

Michael Black has served as chorus master of Lyric Opera of Chicago since the 2013/14 Season.

Learn More