Lyric Music & More: May 4

In Carmen, French composer Georges Bizet created some of the most recognizable melodies in classical music. The “Habanera” in particular has been used throughout popular culture in movies, cartoons, TV commercials, and more. In this excerpt, the title-role character, on a break from her job at the cigarette factory, is surrounded by adoring men whom she teases flirtatiously.

Plus, check out behind-the-scenes photos from the sold-out production Twilight: Gods, watch the full Rising Stars in Concert on demand, see why Sir Andrew Davis and The Marriage of Figaro are a perfect match, and catch the final installment of The Sonata Sessions.

Lyric’s drive-through production of Twilight: Gods took place entirely underground in Chicago’s Millennium Lakeside Parking Garage. The ambitious project turned a 13-acre expanse into an immersive opera experience. Take a look at these riveting images.

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Last week we were thrilled to premiere Rising Stars in Concert, a spectacular close to an impressive season of virtual performances for the 2020/21 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble. Now you can watch the entire performance free and on demand.

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Sir Andrew Davis has a long history with Mozart and especially the delightful The Marriage of Figaro. As we look forward to premiering Sir Andrew’s final concert as Lyric’s music director on May 16, we take a look back at some of the exceptional productions of Figaro over the years.

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Bringing The Sonata Sessions to a close is Rossini’s String Sonata No. 6 in D Major. The piece concludes with a dramatic finale, “Allegro Tempesta,” which is almost like looking 25 years into the future with the famous storm from the composer’s final opera, William Tell.

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