Fidelio
September 26. 2024 - October 10. 2024
Upcoming Dates
September 26. 2024 - October 10. 2024
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
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.
Artists
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Elza Van Den Heever
Leonore
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Russell Thomas
Florestan
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Mika Kares
Rocco
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Brian Mulligan
Pizarro
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Alfred Walker
Don Fernando
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Elbenita Kajtazi *
Marzelline
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Enrique Mazzola
Conductor
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Matthew Ozawa
Director
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Jessica Jahn
Costume Designer
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Michael Black
Chorus Director
ALEXANDER V. NICHOLS *
SET & PROJECTION DESIGNER
YUKI NAKASE LINK *
LIGHTING DESIGNER
* Lyric debut
A San Francisco Opera production.
Header images: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera