September 09. 2022 - October 01. 2022
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September 09. 2022 - October 01. 2022
Ernani
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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
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 and 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 and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Abbott and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O'Leary. Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago's Production Circle. Christian Van Horn is sponsored by Lois B. Siegel.
Lyric Opera streams
We are excited to offer on-demand streams of each of our operas as a back-up alternative to any individual who has purchased a ticket and does not attend in person.
Videos
Pre-opera talk
Speaker: Laura Sauer-Shah
Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theatre one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk discussing that day’s production.
Seating is unreserved, but a ticket for that day’s performance is required. Talks begin one hour before each performance and doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the talks.
Pre-opera talks are supported by Raynette and Ned Boshell.
A recorded version of the Pre-opera talk is available below.
© 2022/23 Lyric Opera Commentaries. All rights reserved.
The music featured is generously furnished by Warner Classics.
Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.
Photos
Ernani
Quinn Kelsey as Carlo, Tamara Wilson as Elvira and Christian Van Horn as Silva in Ernani (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Ernani
Christian Van Horn as Silva in Ernani (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Ernani
Quinn Kelsey as Carlo and Christian Van Horn as Silva in Ernani (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Ernani
The company of Ernani (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Ernani
Russell Thomas as Ernani and Tamara Wilson as Elvira in Ernani (2022/23 Season).
Photo: Cory Weaver
Articles
In this interview, read about Russell Thomas' experience as a Veridian tenor as he opens Lyric's 2022/23 Season in the title role of Verdi's ERNANI.
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With temperatures finally beginning to drop, and a fall full of hefty opera on the horizon, we wanted to catch up with our music director, Enrique Mazzola, to see how he spent his summer, and what he is the most excited for in the 2022/23 Season. His highlights include a summer residency at Austria's Bregenzer Festspiele — where he was recently appointed conductor in residence — leading Madama Butterfly with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, collecting records, and preparing to conduct three operas and a concert back at Lyric this fall. Find his thoughts on this and more as we catch up with Enrique.
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Mix up a cocktail fit for a king and feel yourself instantly transported to the 16th-century Spanish court with these Ernani-inspired Lyric Libations. Much like a strong drink, the twists and turns of this Verdi opera are enough to make you dizzy!
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Two of the most in-demand Verdi artists in the world both have deep roots at Lyric, and have formed a very close friendship. See how Quinn Kelsey and Christian Van Horn met and why they love performing together.
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by David Zivan
Enrique Mazzola and Dr. Naomi Andre both agree: Ernani has tremendous significance — as an exemplar of bel canto style, as a pivotal moment in Verdi's career, and as a glorious achievement that hints of something larger (and perhaps darker) on the horizon.
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by Louisa Muller
The 1830 Paris premiere of Victor Hugo’s Hernani, the play on which Verdi’s Ernani is based, was a significant milestone that marked the beginning of the Romantic era of French drama (the first time I read it was in an undergraduate theater history survey course).
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There's nothing like rip-roaring early Verdi to set an opera house ablaze with excitement! Think of Ernani, which took the Venice audience by storm at its 1844 premiere. Ever since, this hot-blooded work has been enthralling operagoers with its glorious arias, powerfully dramatic ensembles, and massive choruses.
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In this blog, set and costume designer Scott Marr shares his vision for Verdi's ERNANI — a title he first tackled 12 years ago. See how the production has been updated and take a peek behind the curtain before it rises on September 9.
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Meet the artists
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Russell Thomas
Ernani
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Tamara Wilson
Elvira
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Quinn Kelsey **
Carlo
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Christian Van Horn **
Silva
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Katherine DeYoung
Giovanna
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Alejandro Luévanos ***
Riccardo
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Ron Dukes ***
Jago
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Enrique Mazzola
Conductor
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Louisa Muller
Director
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Scott Marr
Set & Costume Designer
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Duane Schuler
Lighting Designer
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Michael Black
Chorus Master
** Ryan Opera Center alumnus
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Program book
Go inside this production of Ernani with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
Photo: Lyric Opera of Chicago