Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2020-21 entirely virtual season (having canceled all in person mainstage performances due to the pandemic), has commenced with performances celebrating Black excellence and Latine music traditions. Masterclasses with Lyric’s Music Director, Sir Andrew Davis, and readings and interpretations of European operatic works by Lyric’s Music Director Designate Enrique Mazzola will also be presented. A brand new work, “The Factotum”, by Ryan Opera Center alumnus Will Liverman and DJ/recording artist K-Rico premieres in early 2021 (exact date to be announced), placing the reimagined comedic opera The Barber of Seville by Rossini in a present-day Black barbershop in Chicago. This performance will combine operatic singing with hip-hop, barbershop, gospel, funk, neo soul, and R&B.
All Lyric 2020-21 season events will be available to stream online: (Lawrence Brownlee and Friends: The Next Chapter (available through Jan. 31, 2021); For the Love of Lyric (available through Dec. 13), Pasíon Latina, starring and hosted by Ana María Martinez (premieres Dec. 13); Breaking Down the Score with Maestro Enrique Mazzola; and a series of Master Classes with Music Director Sir Andrew Davis and members of the Ryan Opera Center.
View the Lyric’s calendar for exact dates and times of all events.
Pictured above: Ana María Martínez, image credit: Lyric Opera of Chicago