New-to-Chicago production Jenůfa

Leoš Janáček

Janáček’s Jenůfa is a dark and stunning masterpiece, both musically and dramatically. In this profoundly moving story, the Kostelnička secretly drowns her foster-daughter Jenůfa’s illegitimate child, hoping to save Jenůfa — and herself — from shame and humiliation. When the murder is discovered, the Kostelnička accepts the consequences, but Jenůfa ends the opera with hope for the future. Performing Janáček’s magnificent score at Lyric Opera of Chicago will be an enthralling cast led by two of the finest dramatic sopranos of our time: opera’s newest superstar, Lise Davidsen, and the legendary Nina Stemme, Lyric’s sensational Elektra in 2019. Czech maestro Jakub Hrůša will bring unique authenticity to this unforgettable music, leading Claus Guth’s mesmerizing production.

Language: Sung in Czech with projected English titles
Running Time: 3 hours and 5 minutes, including 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.
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Lyric's presentation of Janáček’s Jenůfa is generously made possible by Presenting Sponsors Julie & Roger Baskes with additional support from Production Sponsors David W. Carpenter and Orit K. Carpenter, in loving memory of David W. Carpenter, Richard O. Ryan, and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary.

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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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Lise Davidsen *

Jenůfa

Lise Davidsen

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Nina Stemme

Kostelnička

Nina Stemme

Celebrated Swedish soprano Nina Stemme made her Lyric debut with the title role of Elektra (2018|19).

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Pavel Černoch *

Laca

Pavel Černoch

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Richard Trey Smagur *

Števa

Richard Trey Smagur

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Marianne Cornetti *

Grandmother Bruyja

Marianne Cornetti

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Laureano Quant ***

Foreman

Laureano Quant

Baritone

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center baritone Laureano Quant is from Barranquilla, Colombia.

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Kathryn Henry ***

Jano

Kathryn Henry

Soprano

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center soprano Kathryn Henry is from Sheyboygan, WI.

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Lindsey Reynolds ***

Barena

Lindsey Reynolds

Soprano

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Second-year Ryan Opera Center soprano Lindsey Reynolds is from New Orleans, LA.

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Lucy Baker

Mezzo-Soprano

Lucy Baker

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Sophia Maekawa ***

Maid

Sophia Maekawa

First-year Ryan Opera Center mezzo-soprano Sophia Maekawa is from Kyoto, Japan.

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Katherine DeYoung **

Mayor's Wife

Katherine DeYoung

Mezzo-Soprano

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Third-year Ryan Opera Center mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung hails from Traverse City, Michigan.

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Jakub Hrůša *

Conductor

Jakub Hrůša

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Michael Levine

Set Designer

Michael Levine

Set Designer

Set and Costume designer Michael Levine's Lyric credits include seven operas since 1991|92,

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rocafilm *

Video Designer

rocafilm

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Michael Black

Chorus Director and Head of Music

Michael Black

Chorus Director and Head of Music

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

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