Things are getting a bit tricky at the Lyric Opera of Chicago after the Chicago Federation of Musicians (CFM) Local #10-208 went on strike. This news comes after the company announced that it had reached a new labor agreement with many of the local unions, albeit with concessions that included reducing the personnel and potentially the opera schedule. In a {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that it has reached an agreement on a multi-year labor deal with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). The deal includes agreements with Stagehands Local 2, Wardrobe Local 769, Hair and Make-Up Local 476 and Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Local 750 and each was ratified unanimously by the membership of each {…}
We have another six offerings this week because a number of companies are getting their season started. You’ll see two world premieres among this week mixed in with some repertory favorites. The Mile Long Opera: A Biography of 7 O’Clock – The High Line Looking for a unique experience in New York City? “The Mile-Long Opera” is probably going to {…}
Dan Novak, director of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, has announced that soprano Mathilda Edge, mezzo-soprano Kathleen Felty, and bass Anthony Reed have been accepted into the Ryan Opera Center’s program for its 2019-20 Ensemble. The three singers will join current Ryan Opera Center members, which currently include soprano Emily Pogorelc, mezzo-soprano Kayleigh Decker, contralto Lauren {…}
Lyric Unlimited, the branch of the Lyric Opera of Chicago will present “Rhoda and the Fossil Hunt,” as its opera for young people. The work, which was created by composer John Musto and librettist/director Eric Einhorn especially for children between ages seven and 12 and their families, is an operatic adventure which explores the crossroads of science and creativity from {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is going to join forces with Chicago Urban League’s collaborative program, EmpowerYouth! Igniting Creativity Through Arts, to present “Empower,” an original opera. The work was developed with local African-American students and will be showcased on May 31, 2018, at the Lyric Opera House. The work follows a group of students who fight against a reporter {…}
This week’s picks are all about debuts. We’re talking about house debuts for artists, house debuts for operas, and in one case a role and house debut all in one. It’s going to be a fun weekend with the biggest challenge likely coming down to where you want to be on Saturday night. Orfeo ed Euridice – Florida Grand Opera {…}
There was much anticipation Saturday night for the opening of “Faust” at Lyric Opera of Chicago in a new co-production with the Portland Opera. It’s certain that Gounod’s tale of the title character making a deal with the devil has never been told this way. There’s probably a clear dividing line on this production. If you prefer a grand opera {…}
It’s a big weekend around the United States with two high-profile opera companies showcasing the debut of major productions. In this week’s picks, you will see a mix of major stars and big companies with up-and-comers at smaller organizations. Here are our top five picks in alphabetical order by company. Faust – Lyric Opera of Chicago Superstar soprano Ailyn Pérez {…}
The basic premise of “Così fan tutte” is that the women are the butt of the joke as they are fooled by wily old Don Alfonso and the maid Despina into falling for men from distant Albania while believing that their lovers are away having gone to war. Despite that plot point, it is fair to say “advantage women” for {…}
Is art merely a form of entertainment or can it serve a greater purpose? Many people believe the latter is true although it’s possible that they are deluding themselves in order to partake in something they enjoy. It’s a question that can be debated forever. It came to mind for me this past week when I attended Lawrence Brownlee’s “Cycles {…}
