November 01. 2025 - November 23. 2025
November 01. 2025 - November 23. 2025
This duo of passionate one-act operas explores the depths of spurned lovers’ grief and the lengths they’ll go to in avenging betrayal. Deadly love triangles unfold against starkly contrasted backdrops of an idyllic Sicilian countryside and a chaotic urban center.
Music Director Enrique Mazzola leads a a world-class cast that includes Lyric favorites Russell Thomas, Quinn Kelsey, and Gabriella Reyes in Elijah Moshinsky’s original production.
With two shorter operas in a single performance, this is a perfect sampler for new operagoers. More seasoned audiences know it’s a delicious opportunity to revisit these tragic classics.
Lyric’s presentation of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci are generously sponsored by Josef & Margot Lakonishok and Sonia Florian.
Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Mary Stowell, and the Zell Family Foundation as members of the Enrique Circle.
POST SHOW NOVEMBER 9, 2025
You are invited to a post show discussion immediately after the performance on Sunday, November 9, lead by Roderick K. Hawkins and the artists of Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci. Hear directly from members of the cast about the thrills and challenges of working on these two classic operas by digging into the shared themes of passion, honor, and betrayal.
Santuzza
Turiddu
Alfio & Tonio
Mamma Lucia
Nedda
Canio
Silvio
Conductor
Original Director
Set & Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Chorus Director
Peter McClintock
Revival Director
* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumni
Photo credit: John Shaw/Lyric Opera of Chicago
