Fidelio

September 26. 2024 - October 10. 2024

September 26. 2024 - October 10. 2024

New-to-Chicago production Fidelio

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.

  • Language: Sung in German with projected English titles
  • Running Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes, including 1 intermission
  • Location: Lyric Opera House

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.

Videos

Swipe

The power of the chorus in Beethoven's Fidelio

Lyric's chorus director and head of music, Michael Black, discusses the role of the chorus in Beethoven's Fidelio and shares his favorite moment in the opera — the iconic Prisoners' Chorus.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Beethoven's Fidelio

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.

 

Designing Fidelio with Alexander V. Nichols

Set and projection designer Alexander V. Nichols discusses the real-life inspiration behind this contemporary production of Beethoven's Fidelio.

Director Mathew Ozawa on the legacy of Beethoven's FIDELIO

Since its 1805 premiere, Beethoven's Fidelio has served as a symbol of hope for generations of people afflicted by oppression and tyranny. In this conversation, Director Matthew Ozawa discusses his contemporary take on the timeless opera.

Events

September 25 - October 10

Heart Work: The Works of Renaldo Hudson

Heart Work: The Works of Renaldo Hudson

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.

Additional exhibit hours will take place the following dates from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on the Grand Foyer Lobby level only.

  • October 1 
  • October 3 
  • October 8 
  • October 9 
  • October 10 

Photo: "Death by Life" by Renaldo Hudson

Pre-opera talk

Speaker: Oliver Camacho

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.

A recorded version of the Pre-opera talk is available below. 

© 2024/25 Lyric Opera Commentaries. All rights reserved.
The music featured is generously furnished by Warner Classics.

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

Photos

Swipe

Russell Thomas as Florestan. 

Photos: Todd Rosenberg 

Elza van den Heever as Leonore and Russell Thomas as Florestan. 

Photo: Todd Rosenberg

The Company of Fidelio.

Photo: Todd Rosenberg 

The Company of Fidelio. 

Photo: Todd Rosenberg 

Brian Mulligan, Dimitry Ivashchenko, Elza van den Heever, and Sydney Mancasola.

Photo: Todd Rosenberg. 

Articles

Swipe
By Martha C. Nussbaum

Beethoven’s Fidelio: Reaching toward the light

Fidelio, Beethoven's only opera, is a drama of ideas that makes deeply moving theater out of abstractions. Scholar Martha C. Nussbaum elucidates the work's powerful vision of freedom secured through struggle, love, and hope.
Read More
by Matthew Ozawa

Director's note: Fidelio

A gripping new-to-Chicago production of Fidelio comes to Lyric this fall, directed by Matthew Ozawa. Read about his vision for the piece and experience Beethoven's only opera September 26-October 10.
Read More

Get to know: Beethoven's Fidelio

Ludwig van Beethoven's Fidelio — a riveting, political drama — returns to the Lyric stage for the first time in 20 years, running September 26 to October 10, 2024. Learn more about the composer's sole opera in this informative blog.
Read More

Artists

  • Elza van den Heever

    Elza van den Heever

    Leonore

  • Russell Thomas

    Russell Thomas

    Florestan

  • Brian Mulligan

    Brian Mulligan

    Pizarro

  • Dimitry Ivashchenko

    Dimitry Ivashchenko *

    Rocco

  • Alfred Walker

    Alfred Walker

    Don Fernando

  • Sydney Mancasola

    Sydney Mancasola *

    Marzelline

  • Daniel Espinal

    Daniel Espinal ***

    Jaquino

  • Travon D. Walker

    Travon D. Walker ***

    1st Prisoner

  • Christopher Humbert, Jr.

    Christopher Humbert, Jr. ***

    2nd Prisoner

  • Enrique Mazzola

    Enrique Mazzola

    Conductor

  • Matthew Ozawa

    Matthew Ozawa

    Director

  • Alexander V. Nichols

    Alexander V. Nichols *

    Set & Projection Designer

  • Jessica Jahn

    Jessica Jahn

    Costume Designer

  • Yuki Nakase Link

    Yuki Nakase Link *

    Lighting Designer

  • Michael Black

    Michael Black

    Chorus Director

 

* Lyric debut
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

 

Program book

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

Download program book

A San Francisco Opera production.

Header images: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera