American soprano Sondra Radvanovsky eclipses everyone on the stage in the Lyric Opera’s production of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida.” And it’s not just the cobalt blue gown she wears. The production, rich in melody and splendor, recently opened at the Civic Opera House. Her voice is so strong, her shading so stunning and her emotion so […]
Three dazzling sopranos electrify the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne Auf Naxos.” Composed in 1912, “Ariadne” is equal parts high-minded love story and raucous, rustic comedy. It begins with a conflict between a high-strung classical composer and a group of commedia dell’ arte players, both engaged as entertainment at the […]
Call out the fire trucks! The Lyric Opera’s second cast for Bizet’s “Carmen” is hot. The popular opera, which runs at the Civic Opera House through March 27, has been infused with new blood and its gripping drama flows fiercely toward its brutal finale, when Carmen pays for her sins with her life. Making her […]
Beautiful voices, evocative sets, unorthodox costumes and flawless orchestral accompaniment. The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s new production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta “The Mikado,” conducted by music director Sir Andrew Davis, has all the ingredients for a terrific night at the theater. It does, however, require staying power, as it is three hours long. G&S […]
Blood was flowing at the opening of the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2010-2011 season the evening of Oct. 1. Giuseppe Verdi’s powerful “Macbeth” starred the mighty American baritone Thomas Hampson in the title role and slim, sensual German soprano Nadja Michael as his fiercely ambitious partner in crime. Sex accompanies the violence in this production […]
How does a dancer with an international company like American Ballet Theatre manage to fit marriage and motherhood into her demanding career? Just like every working mother, except a little more intensely, according to Karin Ellis-Wentz, 40, who is one of the four cygnets in the company’s upcoming production of “Swan Lake.” ABT is in […]
