Lyric’s 2016-17 season ranges from new ‘Ring Cycle’ to ‘Charlie Parker’s Yardbird’
One thing is clear: Lyric Opera of Chicago has made no small plans for its 20162017 season.
Not only will it launch the season with Wagner’s “Das Rheingold”— the first installment in a new “Ring Cycle” to be staged by the acclaimed British director, David Pountney. But Lyric will present all new productions of Berlioz’s “Les Troyens (The Trojans)” and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” as well as existing but “new to the Lyric” productions of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Massenet’s “Don Quichotte,” Bellini’s “Norma” and Bizet’s “Carmen.” There also will be a remount of a Metropolitan Opera production of Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” that was first presented at the Lyric eight years ago. And, as previously announced, the coming season’s Broadway offering at the Lyric will be Lerner and Loewe’s “My Fair Lady,” directed by Robert Carsen (who staged it for Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet).
Perhaps most intriguing is Lyric’s collaboration with the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, where it will stage the Chicago premiere of “Charlie Parker’s Yardbird” (March 24 and 26, 2017).
Sir Andrew Davis will conduct three of the operas —“Das Rheingold” (Oct. 1-22, 2016), “Les Troyens” (Nov. 13-Dec. 3, 2016) and “Don Quichotte” (Nov. 19Dec. 7, 2016).
Conductors making their Lyric debuts include Enrique Mazzola (for “Lucia di Lammermoor,” running Oct. 15-Nov. 6, 2016), Ricardo Frizza (“Norma,” Jan. 28-Feb. 25, 2017), Ainars Rubikis and (returning conductor) Harry Bicket (“Carmen,” running Feb. 11-March 25, 2017), and Alejo Perez (“Eugene Onegin”). Also returning as conductor will be Rory Macdonald (“The Magic Flute,” Dec. 10, 2016-Jan. 27, 2017).
Lyric will celebrate the legendary Placido Domingo March 9 and 13, 2017, with special performances showcasing his artistry, including a fully staged presentation of Act Two of “La Traviata” that features the lavish party scene, and Domingo as Germont, backed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
Subscriptions go on sale Feb. 1. Call (312) 827-5600 or visit lyricopera.org.