Opera Sense recommended audio and video recordings of La bohème: Lyric Opera of Chicago’s La bohème returns to the stage following the tremendous success of its initial run earlier this season. The beautiful yet largely traditional staging of this perennial favorite by Puccini is sure to enchant both seasoned operagoers Read more…
Opera Sense recommended recordings of The Pearl Fishers: I left the Lyric Opera House humming “Au fond du temple saint” after watching Lyric Opera of Chicago’s The Pearl Fishers, and I woke up the next morning to find that the tune was still in my head. It’s one of those Read more…
Bass-baritone Eric Owens is one of those guys whom everyone likes – and it’s so easy to understand why! He’s one of the most sought-after artists in the opera world, yet when you talk to him, it’s just like talking to a buddy of yours; he doesn’t take himself too Read more…
The opening of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Die Walküre was a thrilling spectacle to behold. Operagoers who were fortunate enough to experience the five-hour event were spellbound by a stunning set, gorgeous orchestral colors, and exquisite vocal performances. This production exposes the magic behind the theatrics. It takes place in a Read more…
It was one of those moments when the entire audience was enraptured. It was during Rosa Feola’s “Caro nome” in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s latest production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. I had the good fortune of being in the audience on opening night. As I basked in her sounds, I decided Read more…
Christine Goerke is one of today’s most sought after opera stars for the roles of Brünnhilde and Elektra, but her massive sound and assortment of colors aren’t limited to these two roles she has come to dominate; she’s equally compelling as Cassandra, or Ortrud, or Turandot, or, well, basically every Read more…
Right before I went to see Orphée et Eurydice at Lyric Opera of Chicago, I dug out my copy of Ovid’s Metamorphoses and re-read the tragic tale. It has a well-known plot: Orpheus’ wife Eurydice dies; Orpheus travels to Hades to retrieve her from the dead; when he looks back Read more…
Last night I was reminded of what happens when opera is done right – very right. The opening performance of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Rigoletto was a masterfully executed, well-rounded tour de force. First and foremost, the vocal performances in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Rigoletto were world-class. Leading the cast were Evanston Read more…
With Lyric Opera of Chicago’s opening of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, a prime example of the Italian style known as bel canto, this weekend, I thought now would be a good time for a little refresher. So, what exactly is bel canto? “Opera buffs today use the term bel canto Read more…
With Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor opening this weekend, we wanted to interview someone who is both intimately involved in the production and has a profound and personal connection with this bel canto masterpiece. Mario Antonio Marra, the pianist for the production, was gracious enough to answer a few of our questions.