The 2021/22 season of the Lyric Opera of Chicago marks a return to live performances after a pandemic-caused hiatus, and introduces Maestro Enrique Mazzola as the new music director. During its closure, the opera house was extensively renovated, with new seating installed and improved patron accessibility.
Starting the season in September is Giuseppe Verdi’s “Macbeth,” which represents the composer’s interpretation of one of his lifelong artistic inspirations, Shakespeare. Sung in the original Italian with the English text projected, the opera features an energetic score with grand-scale arias and duets capably handled by artists such as Luca Salsi in the title role and Sandra Radvanos as Lady Macbeth.
Other anticipated productions of the Lyric’s season include Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love” and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” In November, the company is producing its first Spanish-language opera, Daniel Catan’s “Florencia en el Amazonas.” The extravagant work by a Mexican composer centers on a diva’s eventful trip by boat up the Amazon to Manaus, Brazil, where she is scheduled to perform in an opera.