Lyric Music & More: October 27

It’s that time of year...a chill is in the air and we’re in the mood for the macabre. Opera fans know there is no lack of ghoulish, supernatural, and otherwise spine-tingling scenes to appreciate in the wide world of opera. From walking, talking statues seeking revenge to prophesying witches foretelling death, this week we take a look at some of our favorite ghostly and gruesome moments.

Get spooky

Then, see J’Nai Bridges’ bewitching version of “I Put a Spell on You,” put your opera knowledge to the test with a creepy crossword puzzle, watch Jill Grove transform into a witch, and set the tone for your next virtual meeting with a spooky Zoom background.

Mezzo-soprano and Ryan Opera Center alumna J’Nai Bridges puts a spell on her audience with a playful interpretation of the classic Screamin’ Jay Hawkins song.

A ghastly good time

Opera is full of haunting and frightful scenes that make your spine tingle and hair stand on end. Test your opera knowledge and revisit some of our favorite macabre moments with this creepy crossword.

Puzzle this

Some creepy backdrops for your video calls

From the beautiful autumn leaves in Eugene Onegin to the bloodied hands of Elektra, there is something for every level of fright in our new collection of Lyric Zoom backgrounds.

Spread the scares

A testament to the talent of our wig & makeup team

Watch as mezzo-soprano Jill Grove is physically transformed for her role as Hansel and Gretel's witch in Lyric’s 2012 production. Chantelle Johnson, a member of Lyric's talented wig and makeup department (led by wigmaster and makeup designer Sarah Hatten), and makeup FX artist Chris Mills spend an hour getting Ms. Grove ready for the stage.

Part 4: Duetto Attila e Ezio

Verdi doesn’t waste time, bringing us right into the action as the Roman envoy Ezio meets with the conqueror Attila. The composer allows the bel canto lines to flow uninterrupted as one of the opera’s key phrases is introduced and tension heightens between the opposing leaders.

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Wayward sisters, you that fright
The lonely traveller by night
Who, like dismal ravens crying,
Beat the windows of the dying,
Appear! Appear at my call, and share in the fame
Of a mischief shall make all Carthage flame.
Appear!

Purcell, Dido and Aeneas