May 10, 2025

City Lyric Opera to Present a New Double Bill

By Francisco Salazar

City Lyric Opera is set to present “Black Water” by Jeremy Beck and “Savior” by Amy Beth Kirsten.

The double bill of chamber operas interrogates female agency across time and will run between May 15 and 18, 2025 at the Frank Shiner Theater in the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture.

Both operas were selected through CLO’s artist submission-based model—an initiative launched in the 2023–2024 season that empowers local artists to propose and lead projects with full organizational support of the organization.

Beck’s “Black Water” is based on Joyce Carol Oates’s novella and is a gripping psychological portrait of a young woman’s final moments. Directed by Michelle Beck, the work is set to star soprano MaKayla McDonald and pianist Amber Scherer. The production is conducted by Stephanie Leotsakos.

Kristen’s “Savior” reimagines the final reckoning of Joan of Arc, casting her story through a searing, contemporary lens. The opera will star Ciera Cope, Abagael Cheng, and Rebecca Sacks. Directed by Jen Pitt, the work will be conducted by Broadway and experimental music veteran Julianne Merrill.

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By Francisco Salazar

FRANCISCO SALAZAR, (Publisher) has worked as a journalist for over 10 years with such companies as Latin Post, and freelanced for Remezcla. He has also published for El Diario and La Opinion. He is a media producer and a classically trained cellist who has performed in the New York area.

With OperaWire he has lectured at Bard College and been featured on Fred Plotkin, Jennifer Rowley and Angel Blue's programs.

He holds a Masters in Media Management from the New School and a Bachelor's in Film Production and Italian studies from Hofstra University.