Q&A with Soloman Howard

Lauded by The New York Times as having a "sonorous voice… wielded to vivid effect," bass Soloman Howard returns to Lyric after his debut as Wurm in Luisa Miller (2019/20 Season). He has a versatile repertoire of multi-faceted roles, from Muhammad Ali in Approaching Ali to Sarastro in The Magic Flute and Il Padre Guardiano in La forza del destino. Howard is particularly adept at portraying iconic Verdi villains and imposing figures, like Sparafucile in Rigoletto and King of Egypt in Aida. But behind the curtains and off stage, the bass is a charismatic and committed artist with an undeniably refined fashion sense. In this conversation with Howard, we explore his return to Lyric, his experience in the role of Sparafucile, and more. 

Welcome back! How does it feel to be opening Lyric’s 70th season with Rigoletto? 

It's a pleasure to be back in the beautiful city of Chicago with one of our nation's most treasured opera companies. I've always enjoyed working here at Lyric Opera of Chicago and am incredibly excited to help get the season off to an amazing start. 

You've been in this opera before — how are you preparing this time around?

This time around, I’ve been recharging and prepping my mind for work by spending time decompressing on a few of the many beaches here with my wife, Ailyn Pérez. We've also found inspiration in many of the art and cultural festivals in town. 

What is your favorite part about playing Sparafucile?

My favorite part of this role is playing the villain. I'm not often the extremely bad guy on the stage, and this role gives me the opportunity to portray the opposite side of my natural character. Although Sparafucile and I are both gentlemen of great pride, he expresses his entirely differently.

We’ve noticed that you have an incredible sense of style. Have you ever gotten inspired by the costumes you wear or the characters you embody on stage? 

My sense of style comes from my upbringing. My parents and grandparents were extremely well-dressed people who took pride in how they presented themselves to one another first, then those around them. I've been involved in productions that reminded me of things that I would wear, also sparking the designer in me and how I could give something that "Soloman" swag.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soloman Howard (@solomanhoward)

Soloman Howard poses in one of his own designs.

While your career takes you around the world, you’ve spent quite a bit of time in Chicago. What does this city mean to you?

In addition to some of the things I mentioned earlier, I'm especially fond of Chicago because it's my wife's hometown. We love exploring the city together and discovering the new and old treasures here. Chicago has so much to offer. 

Rigoletto is an audience favorite. Why do you think it has remained so popular?

Rigoletto is a familiar story that connects with many and explores the complexities of humanity. The opera also has one of the greatest arias ever written in "La donna e mobile." As a bass, I can never forget the masterfully written duet between Rigoletto and Sparafucile.