Daughter of the Regiment

November 04. 2023 - November 25. 2023

November 04. 2023 - November 25. 2023

New-to-Chicago production The Daughter of the Regiment

Gaetano Donizetti

Lyric Opera of Chicago is delighted to bring this production of Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment — bel canto opera’s equivalent of vintage champagne — to the city for the first time. Marie, the lovable, irrepressible spirited heroine — a foundling, raised by soldiers — loves handsome Tonio. Things get complicated when the Marquise carts her off to refine her with a “proper” education. In one exhilarating number after another, Marie throws off coloratura flourishes like shooting stars, while her tenor sweetheart pops out nine high Cs in a single aria! Bel canto superstar Lawrence Brownlee and comedic veteran Alessandro Corbelli partner with the dazzling Lisette Oropesa in her eagerly awaited Lyric debut. The marvelously stylish Speranza Scappucci conducts Laurent Pelly’s quick-witted, uproarious production.

  • Language: Sung in French with projected English titles
  • Running Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes, including 1 intermission
  • Location: Lyric Opera House

Lyric’s presentation of Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment is generously made possible by Invenergy, Sonia Florian, and Marion A. Cameron-Gray.

Videos

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Lawrence Brownlee sings "Ah! mes amis" from THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT

In this excerpt from Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment, bel canto superstar Lawrence Brownlee (Tonio) displays his stratospheric singing in "Ah! mes amis" ("Ah, my friends"), celebrating that as a member of the regiment, he can now marry his love, Marie.

"Brownlee is particularly acclaimed as a bel canto interpreter, and it’s not hard to understand why. He shows an innate affinity for Donizetti’s vocal lines, investing his arias with compelling expressiveness and displaying dazzling technique as he hit every high note and garnered sustained ovations along the way Saturday evening." (The Chicago Sun-Times)

Lawrence Brownlee on Tonio's journey in THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT

It's all about the journey for bel canto superstar Lawrence Brownlee. In this interview, the renowned tenor discusses his character's growth and how he prepares for the nine astonishing high C's in "A mes amis."

Lisette Oropesa sings “Chacun le sait” from THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT

Everyone knows the 21st Regiment is the most charming of all, especially with Marie on the roll-call! March along with Donizetti's plucky canteen girl — Lisette Oropesa in her Lyric debut — in The Daughter of the Regiment.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Donizetti's THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT

Lyric presents Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment, a vibrant bel canto opera featuring a spirited heroine, Marie, who falls for Tonio. The production is filled with exhilarating numbers and star performances from Lisette Oropesa, Lawrence Brownlee, and Alessandro Corbelli.

Setting THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT with Chantal Thomas

Laurent Pelly's acclaimed production of THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT brings to mind a vision of toy soldiers marching over folded maps. In this conversation, set designer Chantal Thomas discusses the visual inspiration behind this fun and frothy Donizetti comedy, onstage November 4-25

“Ah, mes amis” with Lawrence Brownlee

Start your week on a high note with this stunning performance from “Lawrence Brownlee and Friends: The Next Chapter.” In this clip, Lyric favorite Lawrence Brownlee performs “Ah, mes amis” from Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment with pianist Craig Terry. 

Pre-opera talk

Speaker: Harris S. Saunders

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. 

© 2023/24 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

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Lisette Oropesa as Marie and company.

Photo: Michael Brosilow

Lawrence Brownlee as Tonio and company. 

Photo: Michael Brosilow

Alan Higgs as Hortensius, Lisette Oropesa as Marie, Ronnita Miller as Marquise, Lawrence Brownlee as Tonio, Alessandro Corbelli as Sulpice and company.

Photo: Michael Brosilow

Lawrence Brownlee as Tonio, Lisette Oropesa as Marie and Alessandro Corbelli as Sulpice.

Photo: Andrew Cioffi

Joy Hermalyn as Duchesse of Crankentorp and Ronnita Miller as Marquise.

Photo: Andrew Cioffi

Articles

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Spotlight on Alessandro Corbelli

Alessandro Corbelli, known for his uproarious portrayals of some of opera’s most entertaining characters, will delight Lyric audiences with two of his most popular roles in the 2023/24 Season — Sulpice in Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment and Don Magnifico in Rossini's Cinderella.
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Leading the charge

In this conversation with conductor Speranza Scappucci, the Maestra shares some of her career highlights, important mentors, and her history with Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment. See her on the podium in her Lyric debut this November.
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Marvelous Maestri of the 2023/24 Season

From bubbling romantic comedies to dark and brooding melodramas, Lyric's 2023/24 Season has something for everyone. At the helm of these diverse titles, we have a lineup of exciting conductors keeping things in perfect tune. Meet these noteworthy musicians and get ready for a season of unforgettable memories, beginning September 23.
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Artists

  • Lisette Oropesa

    Lisette Oropesa *

    Marie

  • Lawrence Brownlee

    Lawrence Brownlee

    Tonio

  • Ronnita Miller

    Ronnita Miller

    Marquise

  • Alessandro Corbelli

    Alessandro Corbelli

    Sulpice

  • Alan Higgs

    Alan Higgs **

    Hortensius

  • Joy Hermalyn

    Joy Hermalyn

    Duchesse of Crakentorp

  • Ron Dukes

    Ron Dukes ***

    Corporal

  • Laureano Quant

    Laureano Quant ***

    Notary

  • Hoss Brock

    Hoss Brock

    A Peasant

  • Emma Sorenson

    Emma Sorenson

    A Peasant Woman

  • Speranza Scappucci

    Speranza Scappucci *

    Conductor

  • Laurent Pelly

    Laurent Pelly

    Original Director & Costume Designer

  • Christian Räth

    Christian Räth *

    Revival Director

  • Chantal Thomas

    Chantal Thomas *

    Set Designer

  • Joël Adam

    Joël Adam *

    Lighting Designer

  • Michael Black

    Michael Black

    Chorus Director

  • Laura Scozzi

    Laura Scozzi

    Original Choreographer

  • Karine Girard

    Karine Girard

    Revival Choreographer

  • Agathe Mélinand

    Agathe Mélinand

    New Dialogues and Dramaturg

* Lyric debut
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
** Ryan Opera Center alum

Program book

Go inside this production of The Daughter of the Regiment with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.

Download program book

Coproduction of the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Header image: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera