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L Y R I C O P E R A O F C H I C A G O
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February 11 - March 25, 2017
What is most satisfying about singing operatic
repertoire as a chorus member?
SHERRY WATKINS
,
Soprano, Regular Chorus, 19th season
I love the variety of styles and periods in which we sing. And even
if I’ve done a show before, every production is different. A bonding
occurs like no other between colleagues in an opera chorus. We act
off of each other, are inspired by one another, and help one another
if needed.
JAMES ODOM
,
Tenor, Regular Chorus, 24th season
I am a storyteller, and the operatic repertoire allows me to be a part
of the story. There is always a place in which the individual opera
chorister fits as an individual. Like a jigsaw puzzle, it takes all the
pieces to give the full picture.
It’s a mighty force to be reckoned with.
The collective brains, vocal power, and
sheer stamina boggle the mind.
Imagine learning and memorizing
words and music for multiple operas
in multiple languages and musical
styles concurrently, then learning and
memorizing stage directions – gestures,
facial expressions, marching, ambling,
running, dancing – plus navigating tricky
scenery while singing and acting in
character. Whew.
It’s a daunting job done brilliantly by
the 48 members of Lyric’s regular
chorus, plus varying numbers of
core supplementary chorus and
supplementary chorus members,
depending on the requirements of
each opera being performed. All are
passionate and fiercely committed to
their art and to this company. Here’s
what a few of them have to say about
what they do.
FINELY TUNED CORDS
Members of the acclaimed Lyric Opera Chorus
reflect on the joys and challenges of their work
Edited by Magda Krance
Exuberance onstage during the 2016-17 season in
Lucia di Lammermoor
(above) and
Don Quichotte
(right).
TODD ROSENBERG