December 07, 2021
Lyric Music & More: December 7
With The Magic Flute and Florencia en el Amazonas wrapped, Lyric takes a short break from live performances until January, but the music continues online. There is so much virtual content to explore from the comfort of your home. A must-see is the recently released film, Pagliacci, called “the best-sung account of Leoncavallo’s drama one is likely to hear today” by Opera News.
Music Director Enrique Mazzola conducts a powerhouse cast including Russell Thomas, Ailyn Pérez, Lucas Meachem, Quinn Kelsey, and Eric Ferring with members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus. In this excerpt, Russell Thomas sings the famed aria “Vesti la guibba” in which Canio discovers that his wife Nedda is having an affair. Watch the entire film free, on demand and don’t miss Russell Thomas in Verdi Voices February 6 and as Cavaradossi in Puccini's Tosca, March 12-April 10!
Plus, learn what makes composer Missy Mazzoli tick, find the perfect wintery beverage for your home listening, see what Enrique Mazzola listens to around the holidays, dive into the early masterpieces of Giuseppi Verdi, and learn more about the work that’s shaping the future of opera.
Impromptu: Missy Mazzoli
Grammy Award-nominated composer Missy Mazzoli was recently named as Musical America's 2022 Composer of the Year. Learn more about Mazzoli and what inspires her in this beautifully filmed interview.
Holiday Lyric Libations
With a broad range of options for enjoying Lyric at home, the only thing missing is a tasty beverage to enjoy as you watch or listen. Find the perfect drink to enjoy as you watch a virtual performance or listen to a full opera recording in this guide.
Enrique Mazzola’s holiday playlist
We talked with Maestro Mazzola about his holiday traditions growing up in Milan, and what it’s like to conduct during the holidays. As it turns out, the maestro is a big fan of holiday music. He even created a Spotify playlist for us, sure to put you in a festive spirit.
Beauty and power
Rigoletto, Il trovatore, La traviata, and Aida may be the most popular Verdi operas worldwide, but there’s so much more to discover in Verdi’s music! Learn more about his early work in this article, and don’t miss Verdi Voices on February 6!
Opera of our times
This season, Lyric is cultivating and sharing several newer pieces that reflect modern stories with contemporary themes, or as some might call it: “opera of our times.” Learn more about the work that is shaping the present and future of the art form.