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Celebrating Sir Andrew Davis, from Mozart to Stravinsky
Sir Andrew Davis
1944-2024
On April 20, 2024, the classical music world lost Sir Andrew Davis. Sir Andrew was a beloved artistic leader in our Lyric Opera of Chicago family, having made his Lyric debut in 1987, serving as Music Director from 2001-2021, and leading nearly 700 performances on our stage through 2023. We invite you to enjoy the concert below, which debuted in 2021, and to explore the content below which includes an interview with him about his work with Lyric, as we all remember and celebrate Sir Andrew’s extraordinary artistry and spirit.
Music Director Sir Andrew Davis leads members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and star soloists in a rousing concert that celebrates his remarkable career at Lyric. The program includes selections from Mozart's beloved comedy, The Marriage of Figaro — the first opera Sir Andrew conducted at Lyric — and Stravinsky's English-language masterpiece The Rake's Progress — the last opera he would have conducted as music director this spring — with personal narration from some of your favorite Lyric artists.
Join us to raise a glass to Sir Andrew — and to more than three decades of his glorious music-making!
- Language: Performed in Italian and English with English closed captions
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Articles
Celebrating Sir Andrew Davis: Memories and tributes
Throughout his years of association with Lyric, initially as guest conductor and ultimately as music director and principal conductor for just over two decades, Sir Andrew Davis has had a profound influence and effect on countless members of the Lyric family on both sides of the curtain. Here are just a few fond reflections and some behind-the-scenes revelations.
Behind the scenes: Celebrating Sir Andrew Davis
Music Director Sir Andrew Davis leads members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, Lyric Opera Chorus, and star soloists in a rousing concert honoring his remarkable career in Celebrating Sir Andrew Davis: From Mozart to Stravinsky. Take a peek behind the scenes of this virtual concert, and join us in raising a glass to the Maestro for more than three decades of beautiful music-making in Chicago.
The gold standard: Highlights of Sir Andrew Davis's magnificent tenure at Lyric
Sir Andrew Davis’s two decades as Lyric’s music director have been a true voyage of discovery for him, as well as for our audiences. He’s introduced us to one glorious work after another, while also enabling us to revisit familiar works with fresh ears. Collectively, Sir Andrew’s performances at Lyric represent one of the greatest achievements in the history of the company.
What's on Sir Andrew Davis's playlist?
Since his company debut in 1987, Sir Andrew Davis has conducted nearly 700 opera performances and numerous concerts and galas at Lyric...but what does he listen to when he's out of the orchestra pit?
Sir Andrew Davis and The Marriage of Figaro: A Perfect Match
Lyric's music director, Sir Andrew Davis, has a long history with Mozart, and especially with Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) on the Lyric Opera House stage. As Lyric continues its final year of Davis's tenure as music director, let's take a look back at the Figaro productions that have provided us exceptional pleasure, both onstage and in the pit, under the baton of our beloved Sir Andrew Davis.
Spot Sir Andrew Davis
Even though Sir Andrew Davis is safe and sound at home, his heart will always be at the opera house. Thankfully, with a little Photoshop magic, he can hang out with Don Quichotte, Brünnhilde, or Figaro while still observing social distancing. See if you can spot him in some of his favorite opera scenes
Spotlight on Matthew Polenzani
Internationally renowned tenor Matthew Polenzani is no stranger to Chicago audiences. The Evanston native became a regular fixture at Lyric, first as a member of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center from 1995-1997, and then as a regular featured artist. He has appeared in more than 15 roles and numerous concerts since his company debut as Captain of the Crossbowmen in Lyric's 1995/96 production of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra. Learn more about the talented tenor in this artist spotlight.
Spotlight on Amanda Majeski
Amanda Majeski must surely be the only renowned opera singer whose ambition growing up was to be a tap dancer (she can still tap up a storm today). Once she found her true calling, she ascended to the top level with exhilarating rapidity and enviable confidence, becoming one of the most successful and sought-after lyric sopranos of her generation.
Videos
Meet the artists
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Sir Andrew Davis
Conductor
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Janai Brugger
Susanna/Figaro, Anne Trulove/Rake
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Amanda Majeski **
Countess/Figaro
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Kayleigh Decker **
Cherubino/Figaro
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Matthew Polenzani **
Tom Rakewell/Rake
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Kyle Ketelsen
Title role/Figaro, Nick Shadow/Rake
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William C. Billingham
Assistant Conductor
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Francesco Milioto
Assistant Conductor
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Michael Black
Chorus Director
Featuring members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the Lyric Opera Chorus
** Ryan Opera Center alumni
Sir Andrew Davis, from Mozart to Stravinsky is generously made possible by
Randy L. & Melvin R. Berlin
Donna Van Eekeren Foundation
Allan & Elaine Muchin
Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel
Richard O. Ryan
Rhoda & Henry Frank Family Foundation
Photo: Peter Tarasiuk