Florencia en el Amazonas

November 13. 2021 - November 28. 2021

November 13. 2021 - November 28. 2021

Lyric Premiere & New-to-Chicago Production Florencia en el Amazonas

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Lyric’s first Spanish-language work to be presented as part of the mainstage opera season, this story about a glamorous diva on a life-changing adventure on the Amazon is suffused by the entrancing allure of magical realism. Florencia Grimaldi, a renowned diva, is engaged to perform at the opera house of Manaus, Brazil. Traveling there by boat, she’s consumed by longing for her long-lost lover, who she hopes will be awaiting her. Florencia and her fellow passengers are all intensely memorable characters, and they’re illuminated by the magnificent, sumptuous romantic music created by a true musical genius — Mexico’s finest opera composer, Daniel Catán.

  • Language: Sung in Spanish with projected English texts
  • Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes with 1 intermission
  • Location: Lyric Opera House

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Videos

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Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas

Lyric’s first Spanish-language work to be presented as part of the mainstage opera season, this story about a glamorous diva on a life-changing adventure on the Amazon is suffused by the entrancing allure of magical realism. Florencia Grimaldi, a renowned diva, is engaged to perform at the opera house of Manaus, Brazil. Traveling there by boat, she’s consumed by longing for her long-lost lover, who she hopes will be awaiting her. Florencia and her fellow passengers are all intensely memorable characters, and they’re illuminated by the magnificent, sumptuous romantic music created by a true musical genius — Mexico’s finest opera composer, Daniel Catán.

Ana María Martínez & Gabriella Reyes perform "¡Ya! ¡Quite esa cara!" from Florencia en el Amazonas

In this duet from Act Two of Daniel Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas, Florencia (Ana María Martínez) consoles Rosalba (Gabriella Reyes in her Lyric debut) after her notebook is damaged by the storm. The glamorous diva sees much of herself in the young writer, and advises her to embrace her feelings for Arcadio and use their love to inspire her work.

Ana María Martínez and Jordan de Souza on Florencia en el Amazonas

In this excerpt from "Mixing it Up," title soprano Ana María Martínez discusses Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas with conductor Jordan de Souza. Hear about their individual connections to the piece and see it onstage at Lyric.

Join us for a discussion of Daniel Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas

Join us on Thursday, November 4 at 6pm CT for a special discussion about Florencia en el Amazonas with musician, opera professional, and widow of composer Daniel Catán, Andrea Puente Catán, director Francesca Zambello, title soprano Ana María Martínez, conductor Jordan de Souza, and host Eddie Arruza. Chat with fellow opera lovers and be the first to experience the conversation by tuning in to the premiere on Lyric's Facebook or YouTube channels.

Articles

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Spotlight on Francesca Zambello

It’s always exciting when Lyric can bring a new-to-chicago work like Florencia en el Amazonas to our audiences, but it’s even more compelling when it’s being led by one of the world’s most highly respected directors, Francesca Zambello. She began her journey with Lyric back in 1999 and we are delighted to welcome her back to direct the first Spanish-language work to be presented as part of our mainstage opera season.
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The musical thrills of Florencia en el Amazonas

The story of a glamorous diva on a life-changing journey down the Amazon River, the opera is inspired by the literary work of legendary author Gabriel García Márquez. Steeped in the beautiful style of magical realism, Florencia premiered 25 years ago in October 1996, and has become a favorite, with productions at more than a dozen opera companies in the U.S., as well as companies in Mexico and Europe.
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Spotlight on Raymond Aceto

With more than fourteen roles to date, it’s always a joy to welcome back a familiar face to the Lyric stage. Bass Raymond Aceto has captivated Chicago audiences with his rich tone and impressive range since his company debut in the 1997/98 Season as The Voice of Neptune in Mozart’s Idomeneo.
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Moving moments of the 2021/22 Season

Missing opera season? We are too. With two Lyric premieres — Florencia en el Amazonas and Fire Shut Up in My Bones — as well as exciting new productions and role debuts, there were countless memorable moments both onstage and off. In order to tide us over until the fall, here are a few of our favorite highlights from the 2021/22 Season.
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Florencia en el Amazonas

Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. & Shirley Welsh Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.

© 2021/22 Lyric Opera Commentaries. All rights reserved.

Florencia en el Amazonas Commentary by Eddie Arruza

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Meet the artists

* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumnus

Program book

Go inside this production of Florencia en el Amazonas with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.

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Lyric’s premiere of Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas is generously made possible by

Anonymous Donor

Marion A. Cameron-Gray

Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago's Production Circle.

Original production from Houston Grand Opera.

An opera in two acts with music by Daniel Catán and libretto by Marcela Fuentes-Berain.

Production photos: Lynn Lane/Houston Grand Opera