The opera scene in Chicago experienced a revival with the start of the fall season at Lyric Opera. Despite concerns about the future of opera, the remount of the traditional production of Rigoletto proved to be a hit with the audience. The 173-year-old opera, with its tragic storyline, still managed to captivate the audience with the music of Giuseppe Verdi.
The highlight of the evening was the performance of Mané Galoyan in her debut as Gilda. Her pure-silver soprano voice won over the hearts of the audience, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of a Taylor Swift concert. The casting of Galoyan by recently retired general director Anthony Freud proved to be a stroke of genius.
Rigoletto, based on a play by Victor Hugo, tells the story of a bitter jester, Rigoletto, and his daughter Gilda. The production, set in the 16th century, explores themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption. Director Mary Birnbaum’s vision of portraying Gilda as a consenting young woman added depth to the character and resonated with the audience.
The success of Rigoletto has paved the way for upcoming productions at Lyric Opera, including Beethoven’s Fidelio and Chicago Opera Theater’s Leonora. The collaboration between the two opera companies aims to bring rare and new works to the stage, enriching the opera scene in Chicago.
In addition to these productions, the Haymarket Opera Company is staging a sold-out performance of Handel’s Tamerlano at DePaul University. The opera, set in the 15th century, promises to be a visual and auditory delight with its historically informed costumes and sets.
Overall, the opera scene in Chicago is thriving, with a diverse range of productions that cater to both traditional and modern tastes. The upcoming performances are sure to captivate audiences and showcase the talent and creativity of the opera community in Chicago.
