June 29, 2020
Lyric Music & More: July 21
Musical performance, even without a live audience, comes with many challenges in the COVID-19 era. Armed with masks, careful social distancing, and several gallons of hand sanitizer, our performers and crew are thrilled to be creating art that brings us all together. We hope you are as excited as we are for the Lawrence Brownlee & Friends: The Next Chapter virtual concert this Sunday, July 26 at 6:00 PM CDT. Until then, watch featured baritone Will Liverman, a Ryan Opera Center alumnus and one of our featured performers, sing “Don’t You Weep When I’m Gone,” self-accompanied on piano.
Plus, learn how opera gave a student new hopes and dreams, hear from a Lyric staff member on why opera is for everyone, watch the first collaboration between Yo-Yo Ma and Joyce DiDonato, and test your opera and emoji knowledge.
Sophia's Lyric story
How opera can change a life
As an eighth-grader, Sophia Peterson felt lost. Then she found Lyric’s Youth Opera Council, and everything changed. Find out how Sophia’s experiences behind the scenes and on stage at Lyric helped change her life.
“Opera is for everyone.”
People of Lyric: Sarah Geocaris
Most of the people on Lyric’s administrative team have their own stories about what drew them to opera. Hear Sarah’s recollection about the strong woman on stage who inspired her at an early age.
A first-time collaboration
Yo-Yo Ma and Joyce DiDonato: “Simple Gifts”
In their first-ever collaboration, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato come together online for a beautiful performance of the Shaker folk song “Simple Gifts.” They also discuss musicians’ roles in responding to the coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Can you guess these opera titles?
Emoji opera quiz
Did you know last Friday, July 17, was "World Emoji Day"? Take this fun quiz and test your opera/emoji knowledge.
It is through art, and through art only, that we can realise our perfection.
Oscar Wilde
A call for advocacy
The situation right now for the arts is dire. As Congress debates the next round of COVID relief, we encourage you to contact your elected officials in support of strong federal support for the arts. You can read more at Arts Alliance Illinois Covid Relief Policy Agenda for the Arts and send an email to your elected officials here. We need your voice and your support!