Ernani opens Friday, September 9

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Season Opener, September 9–October 1, 2022

CHICAGO (9/9/2022) – Lyric Opera of Chicago kicks off the Chicago cultural season as Verdi’s Ernani takes the stage with performances from September 9 to October 1, 2022. Written as Verdi was coming into his power as a composer, Ernani is a must-see operatic thrill ride full of grand-scale arias, explosive choral numbers, and unforgettable performances from a cast featuring four of today’s greatest American opera singers: Russell Thomas, Tamara Wilson, Quinn Kelsey, and Christian Van Horn.

Enrique Mazzola, opening his second season as music director, conducts the Lyric Opera Orchestra in interpreting Verdi’s thrilling score. Mazzola partners with skilled director Louisa Muller as she artfully reimagines the irresistibly chaotic world of Ernani. This larger-than-life production features the opulent set and costume design of Lyric’s Scott Marr, lighting by Duane Schuler, and a vast chorus directed by Lyric’s chorus master, Michael Black.

Audiences are in for a night filled with endless drama, gorgeous melodies, and Lyric’s unmatched splendor.

View Ernani images here

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A high-resolution video trailer is now available on Lyric's YouTube channel.

Read the Ernani digital program book

Performance dates for Ernani are September 9, 16, 21m, 25m, and October 1. All performances take place at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago.

Ernani is performed in Italian with projected English titles. Running time is 2 hours and 50 minutes, including two intermissions.

For tickets and information, call 312.827.5600 or go to lyricopera.org/ernani.

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

The Enrique Circle is comprised of Lyric's most dedicated supporters who are committed to championing Maestro Enrique Mazzola's exciting artistic vision and legacy.

Lyric's presentation of Verdi's Ernani is generously made possible by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Abbott and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O'Leary. Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago's Production Circle. Christian Van Horn is sponsored by Lois B. Siegel.

Lyric Opera's Season is presented by

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists—magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

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For more information on Lyric's upcoming 2024/25 Season, visit lyricopera.org/newseason.