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L Y R I C O P E R A O F C H I C A G O
6
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December 7, 2015 - January 17, 2016
There’s nothing more exciting in the life of a great opera company than commissioning and then giving the world premiere of a new
piece. Lyric Opera’s first mainstage operatic world premiere in more than a decade is
Bel Canto,
composed by Jimmy López to a
libretto by Nilo Cruz, based on Ann Patchett’s bestselling novel of the same name. It’s ideal fare to be turned into an opera because
underlying it all is the humanizing power of a beautiful singing voice. The novel looks at a community in turmoil and finds a way of
making it almost Utopian in the least likely of circumstances.
This work’s curator is Lyric Opera’s extraordinary creative consultant, Renée
Fleming, who has been deeply involved in every stage of
Bel Canto
’s development.
For example, she spent a great deal of time researching possible composers for this
piece before suggesting that Jimmy López would be the best possible match for this
story. Jimmy is a Peruvian, now based in California, whose work has been acclaimed
all over the world. Although he refined his artistry in Finland and Germany, his
music has retained distinct colors that recall his own South American roots. This will
be fully evident as you listen to the memorable score of
Bel Canto
.
This work initiates a marvelous collaboration between Jimmy and Nilo Cruz,
the Cuban-American playwright who received the Pulitzer Prize for his remarkable
play,
Anna in the Tropics
. It’s thrilling to be able to welcome these two exceptionally
talented creative artists not only to Lyric but to the medium of opera. Together they
have created what I anticipate will be an outstanding piece of new music theater.
Conducting
Bel Canto
is Sir Andrew Davis, in his first world premiere at Lyric,
a momentous occasion in his tenure as Lyric Opera’s music director. The production
has been directed by Kevin Newbury, the outstanding young American director who
was with us last season for
Anna Bolena
.
It’s a particular pleasure to welcome back to the company Danielle de Niese,
regarded internationally one of the most popular singers of our time. She’s made
triumphant appearances at Lyric in two of her signature roles, Cleopatra in
Giulio
Cesare
and Susanna in
The Marriage of Figaro
. I’m delighted that she’s taking on the
starring role of Roxane Coss in
Bel Canto
. Roxane is not only the leading lady of this opera – the character is also the most famous
operatic soprano in the world. Embodying her onstage, Danielle will make a stunning impact not only on the guests at the birthday
party of the Japanese industrialist for whom she’s performing that night, but also on us, watching and listening to her in the opera
house. Joining Danielle is a marvelous cast, including several artists making eagerly awaited Lyric debuts.
There’s something very touching to me about the fact that the first great opera in the history of the art form – Monteverdi’s
Orfeo
, written more than 400 years ago – focused on the humanizing power of the human voice. It’s wonderful that our brand-new
opera,
Bel Canto
, should have the same theme. All of us at Lyric are excited that you’re here to savor this special moment with us.
Anthony Freud
From the General Director
STEVE LEONARD