Fidelio

September 26. 2024 - October 10. 2024

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Thursday
09/26/2024
7:00 PM

Tickets

Starting at $54

Sunday
09/29/2024
2:00 PM

Tickets

Starting at $64

Wednesday
10/02/2024
2:00 PM

Tickets

Starting at $42

Saturday
10/05/2024
7:30 PM

Tickets

Starting at $64

Thursday
10/10/2024
7:00 PM

Tickets

Starting at $54

September 26. 2024 - October 10. 2024

Tickets

- Overview
- Videos
- Events
- Pre-opera talk
- Articles
- Artists
- Program

New-to-Chicago production Fidelio

Ludwig van Beethoven

Seeing and hearing Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, at Lyric Opera of Chicago promises to be a supremely moving experience. Listening to the “Prisoners’ Chorus,” you’ll wonder if any other composer has so vividly communicated human beings’ longing for freedom and sunlight. No operatic heroine is more courageous than Beethoven’s Leonore, who disguises herself as a young man in order to work in the prison, hoping to rescue her husband. Enrique Mazzola conducts this timeless political thriller in Matthew Ozawa’s production, praised as “transformative… a thoughtful examination of how we strive for the ideals of justice and freedom” (Toronto Star). Vocally radiant, uniquely charismatic South African soprano Elza van den Heever is joined by two exciting American artists and Lyric favorites — tenor Russell Thomas and baritone Brian Mulligan.

Language: Sung in German with projected English titles
Running Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes, including 1 intermission
Location: Lyric Opera House

Touch tour

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

The SoundShirt uses touch sensation to allow wearers the ability to feel music on their upper body, in real time with the orchestra and singers. SoundShirts must be reserved online or by calling the Audiences Services team at 312.827.5600.
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^{Lyric’s presentation of Beethoven’s Fidelio is generously made possible by The Negaunee Foundation, an Anonymous Donor, and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary.}

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

Videos

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Designing Fidelio with Alexander V. Nichols

Set and projection designer Alexander V. Nichols discusses the real-life inspiration behind this contemporary production of Beethoven's Fidelio.

Director Mathew Ozawa on the legacy of Beethoven's FIDELIO

Since its 1805 premiere, Beethoven's Fidelio has served as a symbol of hope for generations of people afflicted by oppression and tyranny. In this conversation, Director Matthew Ozawa discusses his contemporary take on the timeless opera.

Events

Fidelio Opera Insights

Embark on a journey into Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio through a lens of justice, revolution and liberation. We invite you to a compelling panel discussion moderated by Lyric Unlimited: Learning and Civic Engagement Scholar in Residence Dr. Antonio C. Cuyler, where we explore the opera's powerful and shockingly contemporary themes alongside Fidelio cast members and representatives from Illinois Prison Project.

Tuesday September 17 at 7:00pm at Reva and David Logan Center

RSVP TO OPERA INSIGHTS AT LOGAN CENTER

Wednesday October 2 at 4:30pm at Lyric Opera of Chicago

RSVP TO OPERA INSIGHTS AT LYRIC

Co-presented by Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago Opera Theater

Revolution, Love, Freedom: Explore the sacrifice of love and defiance of tyranny in Fidelio and Leonora

Saturday, September 21 at 1:00pm

Join us for an enlightening discussion that delves into the contrasting interpretations of the story of Leonore by two remarkable composers: Ludwig van Beethoven and Ferdinando Paër. This talk, moderated by WFMT's LaRob K. Rafael, will explore the origins of the source material that inspired both operas and examine how each composer-librettist team uniquely addresses the themes of liberty, revolution, self-sacrifice, love, and justice. This discussion will bring together the artistic teams behind Lyric Opera of Chicago's upcoming production of Beethoven's Fidelio (conductor Enrique Mazzola and director Matthew Ozawa), and Chicago Opera Theater's upcoming production of Paër's Leonora (conductor Dame Jane Glover and director Lawrence Edelson).

LEARN MORE AT CHICAGO OPERA THEATER'S WEBSITE

September 25 - October 10

Heart Work: The Works of Renaldo Hudson

Fidelio, attendees can view selections from Heart Work: The Works of Renaldo Hudson, an art exhibit throughout the main floor and mezzanine of the Lyric Opera House. The eclectic collection is a visual representation of Hudson's experiences, vision, and work during his 37 years of incarceration, including 13 on death row prior to becoming an educator, minister, and community organizer.

Photo: "Death by Life" by Renaldo Hudson

Pre-opera talk

Speaker: Oliver Camacho

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.

Articles

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by Matthew Ozawa

Director's note: Fidelio

A gripping new-to-Chicago production of Fidelio comes to Lyric this fall, directed by Matthew Ozawa. Read about his vision for the piece and experience Beethoven's only opera September 26-October 10.

Get to know: Beethoven's Fidelio

Ludwig van Beethoven's Fidelio — a riveting, political drama — returns to the Lyric stage for the first time in 20 years, running September 26 to October 10, 2024. Learn more about the composer's sole opera in this informative blog.

by Michael Solomon

Lyric Opera of Chicago announces its spectacular 2024|25 Season

The 70th anniversary season includes a potent mix of four beloved classics in grand productions, plus two contemporary works (both by female composers), the return of Sondra Radvanovsky, the debut of Patti LuPone, and more special events.

Elza van den Heever

Leonore

Elza van den Heever

Leonore

South African soprano Elza van den Heever's Lyric credits include Chrysothemis/Elektra (2018|19) and Armida/Rinaldo (2011|12).

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Russell Thomas

Florestan

Russell Thomas

Florestan

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

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Dimitry Ivashchenko *

Rocco

Dimitry Ivashchenko

Rocco

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Brian Mulligan

Pizarro

Brian Mulligan

Pizarro

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Alfred Walker

Don Fernando

Alfred Walker

Don Fernando

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Sydney Mancasola *

Marzelline

Sydney Mancasola

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Daniel Espinal ***

Jaquino

Daniel Espinal

Jaquino

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Daniel Espinal is a tenor in the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble.

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Travon D. Walker ***

1st Prisoner

Travon D. Walker

1st Prisoner

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Travon D. Walker is a tenor in the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble.

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Christopher Humbert, Jr. ***

2nd Prisoner

Christopher Humbert, Jr.

2nd Prisoner

Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Christopher Humbert, Jr. is a bass-baritone in the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble.

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Enrique Mazzola

Conductor

Enrique Mazzola

Music Director

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.

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Matthew Ozawa

Director

Matthew Ozawa

Director

American director Matthew Ozawa directed five operas since 2015|16, most recently The Three Queens (2019|20)

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Alexander V. Nichols *

Set & Projection Designer

Alexander V. Nichols

Set & Projection Designer

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Yuki Nakase Link *

Lighting Designer

Yuki Nakase Link

Lighting Designer

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Jessica Jahn

Costume Designer

Jessica Jahn

Costume Designer

Jessica Jahn's Lyric credits include West Side Story (2018|19), Anna Bolena (2014|15), and Norma (2016|17).

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Michael Black

Chorus Director

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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