What You Need to Know About Verdi’s MACBETH

September 17 - October 9 at Lyric Opera of Chicago

CHICAGO, IL (8/10/2021) – MACBETH One of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies inspired Verdi’s first true operatic masterpiece, about the power-hungry couple who stop at nothing in pursuit of the Scottish throne. Verdi created a stunning musical portrait that bristles with energy and excitement for a riveting night (or afternoon) at the opera.

·         Is this a dagger I see before me? Many of Shakespeare’s familiar lines get the Italian-opera treatment, guaranteeing goosebumps from the witches, ghosts, murders, mayhem, and madness of the original story.

·         Enrique Mazzola’s inaugural season as Lyric’s music director launches with the latest installment of Lyric’s Early Verdi Series. Our Maestro’s boundless energy is a perfect match for Macbeth’s agitato orchestration and vocal fireworks.  

·         Scottish triple threat: Verdi’s operatic take on “the Scottish play,” as it’s often called, receives a brand-new production by acclaimed Scottish director Sir David McVicar and Scottish set designer John Macfarlane, along with renowned artists Moritz Junge (costume designer), David Finn (lighting designer), and Andrew George (choreographer).

·         Sondra Radvanovsky’s role debut as Lady Macbeth promises to be unforgettable: The Berwyn-born soprano has thrilled audiences at Lyric and internationally in a wide range of powerhouse leading roles, and is bound to dazzle with her masterful take on this iconic character.

·         Roman Burdenko as Macbeth = exciting Lyric debut: This Russian baritone is a favorite artist at St. Petersburg’s renowned Mariinsky Theatre, known for his Verdi interpretations. He has performed throughout Europe to great acclaim, making this Lyric debut an especially exciting one to introduce Burdenko to American audiences.

·         Also featuring new and familiar artists: Mexican-American tenor Joshua Guerrero/Macduff will make his Lyric debut, and American bass-baritone Christian Van Horn/Banco, a Ryan Opera Center alumnus, returns to our stage, having recently starred in the Attila Highlights in Concert streaming performance.

·         Thrilling choral music performed by the Lyric Opera Chorus as they portray witches, courtiers, attendants, assassins, knights, ladies, Macbeth’s men, Scottish refugees, and English soldiers (prepared by Michael Black, chorus master).

·         The first show of Lyric’s 67th season marks the first live performances at the Lyric Opera House in 18 months! We are thrilled to be back and know that you will be, too.

·         Six chances to check it out: September 17, 23m, 30 and October 3m, 6m, 9

·         3 hours running time, including 1 intermission.

·         Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.

·         For more information and to order tickets, visit lyricopera.org/macbeth or call 312-827-5600.

·         For updated information about Lyric’s ongoing initiatives regarding health and safety protocols, visit lyricopera.org/safety.

·         Information on dining and concessions will be shared prior to the season opening.

Macbeth is a co-production of Lyric Opera of Chicago and Canadian Opera Company.Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, and the Robert & Penelope Steiner Family Foundation.Lyric’s new co-production of Verdi’s Macbeth is generously made possible by Abbott, Julie & Roger Baskes, Marlys A. Beider, and Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary.Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, American Airlines.Lyric Opera of Chicago is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

About LyricLyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO Anthony Freud, Music Director Enrique Mazzola, and Special Projects Advisor Renée Fleming, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists—magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.Join us @LyricOpera on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. #Lyric2122 #LongLivePassionFor more information, visit lyricopera.org