Q&A with conductor Karen Kamensek

Conductor Karen Kamensek has worked in many of the world's top opera houses including The Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, English National Opera, and more. This season, she returns to her native Chicago to make her much-anticipated Lyric debut in Mozart's The Magic Flute. We sat down with the acclaimed conductor to ask a few questions about her time here, why she enjoys Mozart's music, and more.

As a Chicagoan, how does it feel to be making your Lyric debut?

While it is true I was born in Chicago, I'm not sure this great city would claim me as a local since I only lived here until I was five. I have often visited all throughout my teen years, so I do have some very fond and precious memories of many landmarks, streets and buildings. Unofficially I assisted a production here in the early 90's, and am of course thrilled and honored to now be making my official debut in this great house.

Musically, what is your favorite moment in The Magic Flute?

The 6 measures — measures 372-377 in big No. 21 to be exact — which Pamina and Tamino sing during the trials by fire and water. Something so tiny, maybe 10 seconds of music, gets very deep inside my soul in the place where no words suffice. I must concentrate very hard when conducting through them — to not cry.

What has been the most difficult aspect of this production for you?

There haven’t been any which are not simply part of the daily and passionate routine of putting on a huge theatrical production where many diverse, talented, creative people and varied components come together within a short and intense timespan with a common goal in mind.

What do you hope audiences take away from these performances of The Magic Flute?

The themes of an opera written in 1791 are as contemporary and acute now as they were back then, even, and perhaps most especially, the difficult themes. Humanity has historically struggled to better itself, and to collectively find ways to overcome troubles, dangers, fears, conflict and obstacles, in the hope for peace, love, abundance and kindness. In that spirit, I hope that the public will walk out reflective and thoughtful, with a feeling of joy, and most especially with hope for the future.