(Credit: Kia Caldwell Photography)

Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that Karen Slack, the company’s “Lyric Unlimited Artist-in-Residence, will present a three-part recital series.

First up, on Nov. 12, the soprano will present “Of Thee I Sing! Songs of Love and Justice.” This showcase with pianist Kamilla Arku and visual designer Angela Owens highlights Langston Hughes’ “The Kids Who Die,” with music by Scott Gendel. Also on the program are works by H.T. Burleigh, Clayton White, Undine Smith Moore, H. Leslie Adams, Ricky Ian Gordon, Adolphus Hailstork, and Jake Heggie.

Then on Feb. 26, 2025 comes “Dream Variations” at Northwestern University. This showcase with pianist Mark Markham includes works by Mahler, Strauss, and Brahms, and honors the artistry of Lena Horne, Tina Turner, and Nina Simone.

Finally, she will present “Beyond the Years” on June 14, 2025. This program features the music of Florence Price. Slack performs alongside Michelle Cann.

“I want the audience to walk away feeling both challenged and inspired. Each recital reflects a different part of who I am as an artist — ‘Of Thee I Sing!’ will be particularly powerful, with music and visuals that speak to themes of both love and justice for all. As a society, we struggle with these issues in today’s world. I hope people will take away the idea that without love and seeing the humanity in one another, there can never be justice — and that they leave with a renewed sense of connection to each other and to the world,” Slack noted in an official announcement.