Medea

October 11. 2025 - October 26. 2025

October 11. 2025 - October 26. 2025

Hell hath no fury like a sorceress scorned. Medea

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Medea, a tale of infidelity and revenge like no other. Euripides’s millennia-old tragedy comes to life — and gruesome death — in this presentation of acclaimed director Sir David McVicar’s iconic, grand-scale production.

Featuring Lyric’s own Music Director Enrique Mazzola on the podium, this intense spectacle stars international powerhouse soprano Sondra Radvanovsky in one of the fiercest, most demanding roles ever written. She shares the stage with equally formidable tenor — and Lyric favorite — Matthew Polenzani.

Medea dials the drama up to 11, bringing new meaning to “blood and thunder” as it tantalizes hardcore opera lovers and leaves new audiences glued to the edge of their seats.

  • Language: Sung in Italian with projected English titles
  • Running Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes, including 1 intermission
  • Location: Lyric Opera House
  • Composer: Luigi Cherubini

Sponsors

Lyric’s presentation of Cherubini’s Medea is generously made possible by Lisbeth Stiffel, Julie & Roger Baskes, Marlys A. Beider, and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary.

Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Mary Stowell, and the Zell Family Foundation as members of the Enrique Circle.

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Chorus is generously sponsored by an Anonymous Lead Sponsor.

Videos

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Enrique Mazzola on the music of Cherubini's "Medea"

Sometimes a message is scariest when you say — or sing — it with a smile. Here, Music Director Enrique Mazzola discusses how composer Luigi Cherubini's music is often contradictory to the message. This technique, popular in opera seria, is evident in "Medea," where some of the opera's most beautiful melodies accompany its most heinous acts.

Matthew Polenzani on the role of Giasone in Cherubini's "Medea"

Is Giasone a good guy? If you ask tenor Matthew Polenzani — who is stepping into the role for the third time — the answer is a bit complicated (but what opera isn't?) In this video, he gives some context to his character and shares why Cherubini's Medea makes for an interesting night at the opera.

Sondra Radvanovsky gets to the heart of Cherubini's "Medea"

Strip away the myth and legend, and at its core, "Medea" is a human story of love and loss. As the titular sorceress, soprano Sondra Radvanovsky opens Lyric's 2025/26 Season in an acclaimed production by Sir David McVicar.

Behind the seams: the costumes of "Medea"

Costume designer Doey Lüthi offers an up-close look at the costumes of "Medea" and shares the innovative techniques used to find a balance between decadence and decay. Take a peek inside our Wardrobe Department as Lyric prepares to open its 2025/26 Season with the Cherubini thriller.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Cherubini's "Medea" // Onstage through October 26

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Medea, a tale of infidelity and revenge like no other. Euripides’s millennia-old tragedy comes to life — and gruesome death — in this presentation of acclaimed director Sir David McVicar’s iconic, grand-scale production.

Photos

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Sondra Radvanovsky as Medea.

Photo: Cory Weaver

Sondra Radvanovsky as Medea and Zoie Reams as Neris.

Photo: Cory Weaver

Elena Villalón as Glauce, Alfred Walker as Creonte, and Matthew Polenzani as Giasone.

Photo: Cory Weaver

Sondra Radvanovsky as Medea.

Photo: Cory Weaver

Sondra Radvanovsky and the Company of Medea

Photo: Cory Weaver

Sondra Radvanovsky as Medea and Matthew Polenzani as Giasone. 

Photo: Cory Weaver

 

Articles

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By Dr. Justin Vickers

Medea and Jason: operatic fire and fury

In Cherubini's "Medea," taking on the roles of Medea and Giasone requires full dramatic commitment and utterly world-class talent. This fall, Sondra Radvanvosky and Matthew Polenzani take their place among operatic giants like Maria Callas and Jon Vickers who have tackled this iconic and ill-fated duo.
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Sondra Radvanovsky on the thrills of "Medea"

Berwyn-born soprano Sondra Radvanovsky has thrilled audiences with her powerful portrayals as some of opera's most dramatic heroines from Norma to Lady Macbeth. This fall she opens Lyric’s 25/26 season with Medea. We sat down with her to chat about this thrilling performance and how she prepares for such a demanding role.
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Spotlight on Zoie Reams

Grounded in classical technique, yet fearless in contemporary repertoire and crossover projects, mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams has become a familiar face at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Get to know the Hyde Park-born singer and see her in Cherubini's "Medea" and Billy Corgan's "A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness" this season.
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Get to know: Cherubini's "Medea"

From sweeping music and unrelenting drama, to fearless performances and fantastical scenery, Cherubini's "Medea" comes to Lyric for the first time in the 2025/26 Season.
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Terrific trios from Lyric's 2025/26 Season

The upcoming season at Lyric offers a wealth of incredible performances, featuring both exciting new works and timeless classics. With a variety of exceptional productions to choose from, why not create your own perfect trio of performances?
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Spotlight on Matthew Polenzani

Internationally renowned tenor and Ryan Opera Center alumnus Matthew Polenzani has been an audience favorite since his Lyric debut in 1995. This season he returns as Giasone in Cherubini's Greek drama, "Medea."
Read More

Post show October 26, 2025

Artist Talkback

Artist Talkback

Join us immediately after the performance on Sunday, October 26, as Roger Pines leads a discussion with the artists from Medea. Deepen your experience of this visceral production by hearing how they brought Sir David McVicar's compelling vision to life — and explore each artist’s personal connection to the material.

Pre-opera talk

Speaker: Dr. Harris Saunders

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. 

© 2024/25 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.

Artists

  • Sondra Radvanovsky

    Sondra Radvanovsky

    Medea

  • Matthew Polenzani

    Matthew Polenzani **

    Giasone

  • Elena Villalón

    Elena Villalón *

    Glauce

  • Zoie Reams

    Zoie Reams

    Neris

  • Alfred Walker

    Alfred Walker

    Creonte

  • Emily Richter

    Emily Richter ***

    1st Handmaiden

  • Camille Robles

    Camille Robles ***

    2nd Handmaiden

  • Christopher Humbert, Jr.

    Christopher Humbert, Jr. ***

    Captain of the Guard

  • Enrique Mazzola

    Enrique Mazzola

    Conductor

  • Sir David McVicar

    Sir David McVicar

    Director & Set Designer

  • Doey Lüthi

    Doey Lüthi *

    Costume Designer

  • Paule Constable

    Paule Constable

    Original Lighting Designer

  • S. Katy Tucker

    S. Katy Tucker

    Projection Designer

  • Jo Meredith

    Jo Meredith *

    Movement Director

  • Michael Black

    Michael Black

    Chorus Director

* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumnus
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Program book

Go inside this production of Medea with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.

Download program book

Credits

A coproduction of Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, Greek National Opera, and Canadian Opera Company.

Photo credit: John Shaw/Lyric Opera of Chicago