What You Need to Know About Verdi’s MACBETH

CHICAGO, IL (8/10/2021) – One of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies inspired Verdi’s first true operatic masterpiece, about the power-hungry couple who stop at nothing in pursuit of the Scottish throne. Verdi created a stunning musical portrait that bristles with energy and excitement for a riveting night (or afternoon) at the opera.

• Is this a dagger I see before me? Many of Shakespeare’s familiar lines get the Italian-opera treatment, guaranteeing goosebumps from the witches, ghosts, murders, mayhem, and madness of the original story.

• Enrique Mazzola’s inaugural season as Lyric’s music director launches with the latest installment of Lyric’s Early Verdi Series. Our Maestro’s boundless energy is a perfect match for Macbeth’s agitato orchestration and vocal fireworks.  

• Scottish triple threat: Verdi’s operatic take on “the Scottish play,” as it’s often called, receives a brand-new production by acclaimed Scottish director Sir David McVicar and Scottish set designer John Macfarlane, along with renowned artists Moritz Junge (costume designer), David Finn (lighting designer), and Andrew George (choreographer).

• Sondra Radvanovsky’s role debut as Lady Macbeth promises to be unforgettable: The Berwyn-born soprano has thrilled audiences at Lyric and internationally in a wide range of powerhouse leading roles, and is bound to dazzle with her masterful take on this iconic character.

• Craig Colclough as Macbeth = exciting Lyric debut: He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2019 in this very role. He has also performed to great acclaim at the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Canadian Opera Company, and at opera houses across the U.S. Before switching to voice study, he initially trained as a cellist.

• Also featuring new and familiar artists: Mexican-American tenor Joshua Guerrero/Macduff will make his Lyric debut, and American bass-baritone Christian Van Horn/Banco, a Ryan Opera Center alumnus, returns to our stage, having recently starred in the Attila Highlights in Concert streaming performance.

• Thrilling choral music performed by the Lyric Opera Chorus as they portray witches, courtiers, attendants, assassins, knights, ladies, Macbeth’s men, Scottish refugees, and English soldiers (prepared by Michael Black, chorus master).

• The first show of Lyric’s 67th season marks the first live performances at the Lyric Opera House in 18 months! We are thrilled to be back and know that you will be, too.

• Six chances to check it out: September 17, 23m, 30 and October 3m, 6m, 9

• 3 hours running time, including 1 intermission.

• Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.

• For more information and to order tickets, visit lyricopera.org/macbeth or call 312-827-5600.

• For updated information about Lyric’s ongoing initiatives regarding health and safety protocols, visit lyricopera.org/safety.

• Information on dining and concessions will be shared prior to the season opening.