November 12. 2023 - November 26. 2023
Upcoming Dates
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November 12. 2023 - November 26. 2023
New-to-Chicago production Jenůfa
Leoš Janáček
Janáček’s Jenůfa is a dark and stunning masterpiece, both musically and dramatically. In this profoundly moving story, the Kostelnička secretly drowns her foster-daughter Jenůfa’s illegitimate child, hoping to save Jenůfa — and herself — from shame and humiliation. When the murder is discovered, the Kostelnička accepts the consequences, but Jenůfa ends the opera with hope for the future. Performing Janáček’s magnificent score at Lyric Opera of Chicago will be an enthralling cast led by two of the finest dramatic sopranos of our time: opera’s newest superstar, Lise Davidsen, and the legendary Nina Stemme, Lyric’s sensational Elektra in 2019. Czech maestro Jakub Hrůša will bring unique authenticity to this unforgettable music, leading Claus Guth’s mesmerizing production.
- Language: Sung in Czech with projected English titles
- Running Time: 3 hours and 5 minutes, including 2 intermissions
- Location: Lyric Opera House
Lyric's presentation of Janáček’s Jenůfa is generously made possible by Presenting Sponsors Julie & Roger Baskes with additional support from Production Sponsors David W. Carpenter and Orit K. Carpenter, in loving memory of David W. Carpenter, Richard O. Ryan, and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary.
Videos
Pre-opera talk
Speaker: Matthew Ozawa
Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theatre one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk discussing that day’s production.
Seating is unreserved, but a ticket for that day’s performance is required. Talks begin one hour before each performance and doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the talks.
Pre-opera talks are supported by Raynette and Ned Boshell.
A recorded version of the Pre-opera talk is available below.
© 2023/24 Lyric Opera Commentaries. All rights reserved.
The music featured is generously furnished by Warner Classics.
Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.
Celebrating the life and work of Leoš Janáček
Celebrating the life and work of Leoš Janáček
Audiences are invited to explore a special new exhibit in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer, celebrating the life and work of Jenůfa composer, Leoš Janáček, the most frequently played Czech opera composer in the world today.
This exhibition features the research of Czech musicologist Jiří Zahrádka and is presented in partnership with TIC BRNO (Tourist Information Office Brno), the Moravian Museum for the International Czech Centres, and The Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago.
Photos
Pavel Černoch as Laca and Lise Davidsen as Jenůfa.
Photo: Michael Brosilow
The company of Jenůfa.
Photo: Michael Brosilow
Pavel Černoch as Laca, Nina Stemme as Kostelnička, and Lise Davidsen as Jenůfa.
Photo: Michael Brosilow
Richard Trey Smagur as Števa and Nina Stemme as Kostelnička.
Photo: Andrew Cioffi
Lise Davidsen and the company of Jenůfa.
Photo: Michael Brosilow
Nina Stemme the company of Jenůfa.
Photo: Andrew Cioffi
Articles
The chorus plays a significant role in the storytelling of both Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment and Janáček’s Jenůfa — though the roles (and the operas) could not be more different. Here, two members of Lyric’s Regular Chorus talk about preparing for the widely varying demands.
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For Janáček's haunting and emotionally charged opera Jenůfa, four exceptional artists will take center stage at Lyric Opera of Chicago, breathing life into the complex and gripping characters. Lise Davidsen (Jenůfa), Nina Stemme (Kostelnička), Pavel Černoch (Laca), and Richard Smagur (Števa) will transport audiences to a close-knit Moravian village in Lyric's gripping production directed by Claus Guth. Familiarize yourself with these mesmerizing voices and the complex characters of Jenůfa, onstage November 12-26.
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by Roger Pines
This November, Nina Stemme and Lise Davidsen arrive to Lyric at the height of their powers. Read about the starry sopranos' recent triumphs, showing why they are ideally suited to the fearful demands of their roles in Jenůfa.
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A conversation with Jenůfa's conductor, Jakub Hrůša, on the challenges and enduring impact of his countryman’s opera.
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Many operas owe their greatness in large part to the presence of an entire community onstage. That’s certainly true of Leoš Janáček’s unforgettable Jenůfa, one of the 20th century’s great masterpieces. Yes, the protagonists are Jenůfa and Kostelnička, but their tragedy unfolds within a village populated by extraordinary individual characters. Janacek uses them all to create a world — a drama that truly lives in every moment.
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Artists
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Lise Davidsen *
Jenůfa (11/12-21)
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Kathryn Henry ***
Jana (11/12-21) / Jenůfa (11/26)
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Nina Stemme
Kostelnička
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Pavel Černoch *
Laca
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Richard Trey Smagur *
Števa
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Marianne Cornetti *
Grandmother Buryja
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Laureano Quant ***
Foreman
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Lindsey Reynolds ***
Barena
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Lucy Baker ***
Karolka
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Sophia Maekawa ***
Shepherdess
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Katherine DeYoung **
Mayor's Wife
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Wayne Tigges **
Mayor
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Jakub Hrůša *
Conductor
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Claus Guth *
Original Director
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Axel Weidauer
Revival Director
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Michael Levine
Set Designer
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Gesine Völlm *
Costume Designer
-
rocafilm *
Video Designer
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Michael Black
Chorus Director
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Teresa Rotemberg *
Choreographer
JAMES FARNCOMBE *
LIGHTING DESIGNER
* Lyric debut
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
** Ryan Opera Center alum
Program book
Go inside this production of Jenůfa with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
Production by the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Celebrating the life and work of Leoš Janáček is presented in partnership with
