Get to know: Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro

Join Lyric Opera of Chicago for Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, an intimate study of human relationships widely recognized as one of the greatest operas ever written. In the setting of Count Almaviva's castle, his servants, Figaro and Susanna, conspire to get the better of their willful employer, joined by his long-suffering wife, the Countess. Intrigues abound in this joyful materpiece, the first collaboration between Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte.

Based on a play by Beaumarchais, the opera premiered in Vienna in the spring of 1786, with Mozart himself conducting from the keyboard. The original dramatic work had been banned in the city, because of its revolutionary take on class conflict; Mozart and DaPonte softened those edges with deeper character portrayals. The Count's butler, Figaro, and Susanna, the Countess's maid, are planning their wedding — but all the while the Count is attempting to seduce the bride-to-be. With a bit of help from Cherubino, a lovestruck teenager, and the Countess herself, the young couple manage to escape from trouble and the Count learns the value of lasting love and fidelity.

Chicago theatrical legend Barbara Gaines originated this production, and she returns to direct again. On the podium will be the electrifying young German conductor Erina Yashima in her Lyric debut, leading a cast of internationally celebrated Mozartians. Renowned baritone Peter Kellner will make his Lyric debut as Figaro. Soprano Ying Fang, who charmed Chicago audiences as Zerlina in Don Giovanni (2019/20) and Pamina in The Magic Flute (2020/21), returns as Susanna. International star Federica Lombardi will sing Countess Almaviva and Gordon Bintner will sing Count Almaviva, both in their Lyric debuts. Ryan Opera Center alumna Kayleigh Decker, last seen at Lyric as Isolier in Le Comte Ory (2022/23), will play Cherubino.

When The Marriage of Figaro had its second production in Prague late in 1786, the newspaper declared that "no piece ... has ever caused such a sensation." Indeed, having been invited to visit the city, Mozart himself had a chance to enjoy his hit show. "Here they talk about nothing but Figaro," he wrote to a friend. "Nothing is played, sung, or whistled but Figaro." And from November 9 to 30, audiences at Lyric have the chance to see why.