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L Y R I C O P E R A O F C H I C A G O
14
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February 26 - March 20, 2017
Bringing the House Down
In one of the very early years I attended the opera, I sat
and cried at the beautiful music. Plácido Domingo played
Samson in
Samson et Dalila,
and when he brought the
temple walls down near the end, it was just incredibly
powerful. I’ll remember that for a long time.
Mary Best
(LaGrange)
For the first time in the Lyric program, we’ve given the Lyric
audience a chance to reveal what draws them to opera in general,
and to Lyric in particular.
Why I Love Opera …
and Why I Love Lyric
PART 4
Edited by Roger Pines
Samson et Dalila
(1989-90): The chained Samson (Plácido
Domingo), moments before he destroys the temple, a scene that
Mary Best will never forget.
DAN REST
DAN REST
Renée Fleming in the title role with Samuel Ramey as Olin Blitch
in the Lyric premiere of Carlisle Floyd’s
Susannah
(1993-94).
An Aria to Remember
I still remember when Renée Fleming first appeared at Lyric in
Carlisle Floyd’s
Susannah.
It was mesmerizing to hear her sing the
“Ain’t it a pretty night?” aria while lying on her back on the roof
of her cabin. I have really enjoyed hearing her ever since.
Gerald Budzik
(Huntley)
Dear Gerald – The 1993-94 production of
Susannah
marked both
my first performance of the role and my Lyric debut. That experience
initiated an association with Lyric that has meant a great deal to me,
both onstage and in my work as the company’s creative consultant.
I’m very touched that you recall Susannah’s aria so vividly years
later, and I wish you many other wonderful evenings at Lyric
in future seasons!
Renée Fleming