February 07, 2023
Lyric Music & More: February 7
IThe world premiere work The Factotum opened Wednesday to a packed house of eager fans. It’s been a thrill to watch this work evolve, from its early workshops captured in the documentary film Creating the Factotum to its fully sold-out run on stage now at the Harris Theater. Get a look into the creation process for one of the first songs in the show, “Prologue,” with co-creators Will Liverman and DJ King Rico in this edition of Breaking Down the Score.
Plus, hear from artist Barrett Keithley on the murals he created for The Factotum, read about how The Factotum is expanding the operatic tradition, listen to a playlist of romantic classical music for Valentine’s Day, and take a look back at the luminous career of Music Director Emeritus Sir Andrew Davis.
A vision of hope
Mural artist Barrett Keithley was commissioned by Lyric to create three murals to coincide with The Factotum, placed in neighborhoods on the South and West sides of Chicago. See how Keithley came to this project and what the work means to him in this interview with Lyric.
Expanding the tradition
In this insightful article from music historian Dr. Naomi André, she details how The Factotum celebrates Black joy, merges influences, and widens our view of what opera can be. Learn more about how this work came to be, from Rossini’s The Barber of Sevillle to today.
Classical love songs
In opera, some love stories last long after the curtain falls, while others are cut short in their prime. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, here are a few of our favorite love duets and songs about love to add a touch of romance to your day.
An ode to the Maestro
Over more than two decades, newly appointed Music Director Emeritus Sir Andrew Davis thrilled audiences at Lyric with illuminating interpretations across all the repertoire. Look back at his inspiring career in this article on the maestro, who recently celebrated a birthday this month.