Fidelio

Learning resources for high school classrooms

We are excited to give teachers and students a glimpse into the story, music and images of Lyric's 2024 production of Fidelio. The presentation below serves to prepare classes for the performance experience. It can be used as a quick reference or a longer study guide with prompts for deeper consideration both before and after coming to the theater.

This slide deck contains:

  • A list of characters
  • A summary of the story
  • Literary and artistic themes
  • Listening examples
  • About the writers
  • Discussion prompts

Click on the three dots on the bottom left corner of the deck to expand to a full-screen view.

Videos

Swipe

The power of the chorus in Beethoven's Fidelio

Lyric's chorus director and head of music, Michael Black, discusses the role of the chorus in Beethoven's Fidelio and shares his favorite moment in the opera — the iconic Prisoners' Chorus.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Beethoven's Fidelio

Enrique Mazzola conducts this timeless political thriller in Matthew Ozawa’s production, praised as “transformative… a thoughtful examination of how we strive for the ideals of justice and freedom” (Toronto Star). Vocally radiant, uniquely charismatic South African soprano Elza van den Heever is joined by two exciting American artists and Lyric favorites — tenor Russell Thomas and baritone Brian Mulligan.

 

Designing Fidelio with Alexander V. Nichols

Set and projection designer Alexander V. Nichols discusses the real-life inspiration behind this contemporary production of Beethoven's Fidelio.

Director Mathew Ozawa on the legacy of Beethoven's FIDELIO

Since its 1805 premiere, Beethoven's Fidelio has served as a symbol of hope for generations of people afflicted by oppression and tyranny. In this conversation, Director Matthew Ozawa discusses his contemporary take on the timeless opera.

Header image: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera

Featured music provided by EMI Classics: Christa Ludwig, Jon Vickers, Walter Berry, Gottlob Frick, Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus, conducted Otto Klemperer