September 26. 2024 - October 10. 2024
September 26. 2024 - October 10. 2024
Ludwig van Beethoven
Seeing and hearing Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, at Lyric Opera of Chicago promises to be a supremely moving experience. Listening to the “Prisoners’ Chorus,” you’ll wonder if any other composer has so vividly communicated human beings’ longing for freedom and sunlight. No operatic heroine is more courageous than Beethoven’s Leonore, who disguises herself as a young man in order to work in the prison, hoping to rescue her husband. Enrique Mazzola conducts this timeless political thriller in Matthew Ozawa’s production, praised as “transformative… a thoughtful examination of how we strive for the ideals of justice and freedom” (Toronto Star). Vocally radiant, uniquely charismatic South African soprano Elza van den Heever is joined by two exciting American artists and Lyric favorites — tenor Russell Thomas and baritone Brian Mulligan.
Lyric’s presentation of Beethoven’s Fidelio is generously made possible by The Negaunee Foundation, an Anonymous Donor, and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary.
Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, and the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation as members of the Enrique Circle.
Wednesday October 2 at 4:30pm at Lyric Opera of Chicago
We invite you to a compelling panel discussion with the artists of Fidelio moderated by Lyric Unlimited Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Antonio C. Cuyler. Fidelio Director Matthew Ozawa, Chorus Director and Head of Music Michael Black and members of the cast will discuss their journey of bringing to life Fidelio’s contemporary themes of justice, revolution, and liberation.
Co-presented by Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago Opera Theater
Saturday, September 21 at 1:00pm
Join us for an enlightening discussion that delves into the contrasting interpretations of the story of Leonore by two remarkable composers: Ludwig van Beethoven and Ferdinando Paër. This talk, moderated by WFMT's LaRob K. Rafael, will explore the origins of the source material that inspired both operas and examine how each composer-librettist team uniquely addresses the themes of liberty, revolution, self-sacrifice, love, and justice. This discussion will bring together the artistic teams behind Lyric Opera of Chicago's upcoming production of Beethoven's Fidelio (conductor Enrique Mazzola and director Matthew Ozawa), and Chicago Opera Theater's upcoming production of Paër's Leonora (conductor Dame Jane Glover and director Lawrence Edelson).
September 25 - October 10
Fidelio, attendees can view selections from Heart Work: The Works of Renaldo Hudson, an art exhibit throughout the main floor and mezzanine of the Lyric Opera House. The eclectic collection is a visual representation of Hudson's experiences, vision, and work during his 37 years of incarceration, including 13 on death row prior to becoming an educator, minister, and community organizer.
Photo: "Death by Life" by Renaldo Hudson
Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theatre one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk discussing that day’s production.
Seating is unreserved, but a ticket for that day’s performance is required. Talks begin one hour before each performance and doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the talks.
Pre-opera talks are supported by Raynette and Ned Boshell.
Leonore
Florestan
Rocco
Pizarro
Don Fernando
Marzelline
Jaquino
1st Prisoner
2nd Prisoner
Conductor
Director
Set & Projection Designer
Lighting Designer
Costume Designer
Chorus Director
* Lyric debut
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Go inside this production of Fidelio with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
A San Francisco Opera production.
Header images: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera
