Lyric Family Favorites: March 18

The curtain is up on Tosca and critics are raving. Michelle Bradley and Russell Thomas are “electric... wonderfully well matched” (Chicago Sun-Times), the classic sets by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle are “opulent” and “unquestionably beautiful” (Chicago Sun-Times), and conductor Eun Sun Kim brings out a “guiding optimism” (Chicago Tribune) from the Lyric Opera Orchestra in her company debut.  

Watch Russell Thomas perform Cavaradossi's impassioned aria "E lucevan le stelle." On the roof of Castel Sant'Angelo awaiting his execution, he sings of his undying love for the diva Floria Tosca. 

Plus, read an interview with Tosca director Louisa Muller, learn about Lyric’s commitment to new work, catch up with the students of EmpowerYouth!, and don’t miss an intimate conversation with composer Terence Blanchard at the Chicago Humanities Festival. 

Louisa Muller is known for her "absorbing, provocative staging" (Opera News) and is breaking new ground as an emerging stage director. Get to know more about the Tosca director, recently named a finalist in the "Best Newcomer" category at the 2020 International Opera Awards.

Peel the onion

Lyric has committed to staging a contemporary, English-language opera on the mainstage each year starting with the 2019/20 Season. See how far we’ve come since then and what new and exciting works to look forward to in this article.

What's new

The 2021/22 Season marks the fifth year of Lyric’s EmpowerYouth!: Igniting Creativity through the Arts program in partnership with the Chicago Urban League. See how the students have handled the pandemic and what they’re up to this season. 

Get inspired

Tickets are still available to see Terence Blanchard, the Grammy Award-winning artist and composer of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, and conductor Daniela Candillari at the Chicago Humanities Festival on March 25 in conversation about this new opera.

Secure your seats