The Lyric Opera of Chicago and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) have announced the agreement of a newly modified labor agreement that extends through the 2020-21 season. “Together, we have reached our goal of providing our artists with clarity and security, despite the loss of the full opera season, the devastating impacts of the pandemic, and this uncertain {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced additional productions for its 2020-21 season. In addition to its “Twilight: Gods” the company will present “Pasión Latina,” a free concert featuring such renowned artists as Ana María Martínez, René Barbera, David Portillo, Mario Rojas, Richard Ollarsaba, Denis Vélez, and Ricardo José Rivera. The performance will feature music from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced an agreement with the Chicago Federation of Musicians local #10-208 regarding the modification of the existing multi-year labor agreement that extends through the 2020-21 season. Per a press statement from Lyric Opera of Chicago CEO and President Anthony Freud, the two sides have found common ground on a new deal regarding compensation and {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has officially canceled its 2020-21 season due to ongoing concerns over COVID-19. Among the works canceled are a production of “Blue,” “Samson et Dalila,” “L’Elisir d’Amore,” “Le Nozze di Figaro,” and “The Rake’s Progress.” “Having to cancel the remainder of our season is devastating but unavoidable, in order to keep our guests, artists, and company {…}
(Credit: Mikołaj Mikołajczyk) Famed Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecień has announced that he will end his singing career due to ongoing health issues. Kwiecień told the Polish media that he had undergone his first spinal surgery in New York, sustaining a slipped disc injury during a performance of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at the Metropolitan Opera House. The issue reappeared after a {…}
Anthony Freud, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s general director, president & CEO, has announced the election of Sylvia Neil as chair of Lyric’s Board of Directors making her the first woman to serve as board chair in the company’s history. Neil was elected unanimously during Lyric’s Annual Meeting of members and the Board of Directors’ Annual Meeting in early September after {…}
It’s going to be an exciting week with a combination of live streams and other performances being made available digitally for opera lovers worldwide. And while we are at it – get ready for more in coming weeks as opera companies around the world start to embrace digital opera as part of their 2020-21 seasons. Before we kick off our {…}
(Image provided by Lyric Opera Orchestra) Members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra in Chicago have teamed up with Sharing Notes to bring music to patients of local hospitals. The orchestra revealed that after the closure brought on by the spread of COVID-19, members were feeling a “profound sense of loss of not only performances.” But inspired by experiences of New {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center is set to present “Lawrence Brownlee and Friends: The Next Chapter.” The concert, slated for July 26 at 6 p.m. will feature the famed tenor as he presents a concert alongside such artists as Whitney Morrison, J’Nai Bridges, and Will Liverman. The concert will also feature three 2020-21 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has released a video of the chorus performing “Va, pensiero” from “Nabucco.” In a statement, the company said, “We’d like to thank the wonderful members of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus for sharing their talents with us during these difficult times. Here, they perform “Va, pensiero” (also known as the “Chorus of the Hebrew {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has delayed the opening of its 2020-21 season, canceling all performances originally scheduled to take place between September and December. With the spread of COVID-19 still a concern throughout the U.S., the company announced that the cancelation of its fall performances was a preventive measure to aid in the containment of the global pandemic. “The {…}