October 23. 2026 - October 28. 2026
October 23. 2026 - October 28. 2026
MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Rhiannon Giddens and celebrated co-composer Michael Abels bring their profoundly moving story of the human spirit to Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Inspired by the memoir of 19th-century Islamic scholar Omar ibn Said, this breathtaking work spins a musical narrative of Omar’s capture in West Africa, journey across the Atlantic Ocean, and enslavement in South Carolina, where he confronts his circumstances and challenges his faith through a series of indelible writings.
Director Kaneza Schaal’s austere, impactful presentation foregrounds Giddens and Abels’ Pulitzer Prize-winning score — a tapestry of musical traditions weaving together hymns, spirituals, and bluegrass — to tell a fundamentally American story.
POST-SHOW SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
You are invited to a post-show discussion immediately after the performance on Sunday, October 25, led by ethnomusicologist Adam Zanolini, Ph.D along with some of the artists of Omar. Hear directly from members of the cast and creative team about bringing history to life, the power of faith, and what it means to be an artist in America. Bring your questions for the artists, and meet us directly after the performance on the mainfloor.
Omar
Julie
Fatima
Johnson/Owen
Katie Ellen / The Caller
Conductor
Director
Chorus Director
Christopher Myers*
Designer
Amy Rubin*
Set Designer
Micheline Russell-Brown* & April M. Hickman*
Co-Costume Designers
Pablo Santiago*
Lighting Designer
Josh Higgason*
Projection Designer
* Lyric debut
Omar is co-commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago, Spoleto Festival USA, Carolina Performing Arts, San Francisco Opera, LA Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and Detroit Opera.
Photos: Cory Weaver/LA Opera
