Thrills from Beczała and Bernstein

The thrills begin on February 25 with the return to Lyric of the spectacular Polish tenor Piotr Beczała, who’s previously triumphed here in Faust and Lucia di Lammermoor. He’s been accorded an honor given to few artists in Lyric’s history — a solo recital. Performing with him will be renowned collaborative pianist Martin Katz.

The phrase “has it all” is overused today, but in Piotr’s case, it’s true! He does have it all: a glorious voice, immeasurable musicality, and the charisma to utterly enrapture audiences. He’s a huge favorite at the Met and is a matinee idol all over Europe, from Paris and Vienna to Munich and Salzburg. 

Piotr’s recital at Lyric (which he’ll repeat a few days later at Carnegie Hall) offers a unique voyage of discovery for the Lyric audience. The first half brings poetically beautiful Italian songs by Donaudy, Wolf-Ferrari, Respighi, and Tosti. In the second half, Piotr will turn to his native repertoire, illuminating the glorious art songs of Szymanowski, Karłowicz, and Moniuszko. This recital will be one of the great musical events of the 2017/18 season – don’t miss it!

The music of the incomparable Leonard Bernstein arrives at Lyric on March 10. The concert, Celebrating 100 Years of Bernstein, will show our audience the quintessentially American music of a man born to compose for the stage. We’ll begin with the one-act opera Trouble in Tahiti, a bitingly insightful glimpse into the life of a 1950s suburban couple. The second half will bring not only justly familiar gems from Candide, West Side Story, On the Town, and Wonderful Town, but more rarely heard, equally memorable songs from White House Cantata, Songfest, and Bernstein’s 1950 score for Peter Pan.

Three artists who have dazzled Lyric audiences will return to our stage: Kate Baldwin, Susan Graham, and Nathan Gunn (pictured below, left to right). They’ll be joined by gifted members of the Ryan Opera Center, as well as the Lyric Opera Orchestra conducted by the brilliant David Chase. A fabulous time will be had by all, as we revel in the genius of Bernstein!