The Lyric Opera of Chicago Opera and Chicago Opera Theater are teaming up for a free panel event on Sept. 21, 2024.

The focus of the panel will be Beethoven’s “Fidelio” and Paër’s “Leonora,” two operas based on the same story.

WFMT program host LaRob K. Rafael will host a panel featuring Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Enrique Mazzola and Matthew Ozawa as well as Dame Jane Glover and COT’s Lawrence Edelson.

“’Fidelio,’ Beethoven’s only opera, is demanding, revolutionary, and shockingly relevant. It is a story of hope, self-sacrifice, love, and liberation,” Ozawa said in an official press release. “The questions we now ask ourselves are: Who is afflicted by oppression globally? What does shining a light on injustice look like? How is true freedom achieved? I am excited to delve into the piece’s history, examine these themes, and ask the questions that will lead us to learn from Leonore’s journey and celebrate the power of love and collective action. This visually arresting production that includes the full forces of Lyric’s orchestra and chorus, will be an immersive experience that we invite everyone to experience.”

Meanwhile, Edelson added “It is remarkable that there were actually four operas written based on Jean Nicolas Bouilly’s 1798 libretto ‘Léonore, ou L’amour conjugal.’ Paër’s ‘Leonora,’ the second of these operas, is an opera semiseria, juxtaposing serious subject matter with more comic scenes. In addition, unlike in Beethoven’s opera, there is no chorus, which further shifts the dynamic of the narrative. I constantly find myself asking, how is it that people can ignore – or even be oblivious to – the political oppression that surrounds them? When I approached Lyric about collaborating on this panel, I was thrilled that Enrique and Matthew so enthusiastically embraced the rare opportunity to look at these two operas side by side with me and Jane. I am excited to not only explore the two very different approaches to this story musically, but also through our different perspectives on bringing it to life on stage.”

Lyric Opera of Chicago will present “Fidelio” starting on Sept. 26, 2024 while Chicago Opera Theater will showcase “Leonora” starting on Oct. 1, 2024.