September 15, 2023

Lyric Family Favorites: September 15

The Flying Dutchman opens in just two weeks, marking music director Enrique Mazzola’s first Wagner in Chicago, and rehearsals are already underway. According to Mazzola, this was the opera that kicked off a revolution in the opera world led by Wagner’s pioneering ideas. Hear more about what to listen for in The Flying Dutchman in this interview with the music director.

Raise the sails

Plus, chorus director and head of music Michael Black shares his favorite recordings of music in the upcoming 2023/24 Season, see members of the Ryan Opera Center perform at Navy Pier, read an interview with Audra McDonald, reserve your tickets for Ryan Opera Center Final Auditions, and don't forget to watch The Factotum on Film.

Michael Black previews the 2023/24 Season

Stream the full episode of Listening to Singers with Oliver Camacho on WFMT, where chorus director and head of music Michael Black gave a preview of the 2023/24 Season, and shared some of his favorite recordings of the works being performed.

Listen in

Ryan Opera Center at Chicago Live!

Taking place at Navy Pier September 23-24, Chicago Live! is a free performance festival featuring more than 60 of the city’s top musical, theatrical, dance, and cultural organizations with back-to-back performances. Members of the Ryan Opera Center Lucy Baker and Travon D. Walker with pianist Jerad Mosbey perform at 2:30 on September 23.

Mark your calendar

An interview with the Queen of Song

Ahead of her sold-out first appearance at the Lyric Opera House, celebrated singer and actress Audra McDonald spoke with Lyric’s former dramaturg Roger Pines about her voice, her artistry, and how she prepares her concert programs. Read more in this exclusive interview.

Dig in

Ryan Opera Center Final Auditions

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Centers Final Auditions are this Sunday, September 17. Join us to watch more than 20 finalists representing the world’s finest emerging artists audition for a spot in the Ryan Opera Center’s 2024/25 Ensemble. Reserve your free tickets today.

Reserve tickets

Last chance for The Factotum on Film

The Factotum on Film is available to stream through September 19 — don’t miss it! Experience the full journey, from page to stage, of the world premiere opera The Factotum in a film ​​by Chicago filmmaker Raphael Nash, available for free online viewing.

Watch now

Photos: Joe Mazza, Kyle Flubacker, Allison Michael Orenstein, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Cory Weaver