This week, we highlight contemporary works presented at Lyric, from the 1997 commission of Amistad, to the celebrated new work Blue. Read up on Lyric’s history of presenting thrilling new operas, then dive in deeper with these articles and videos from Amistad, Dead Man Walking, Blue, and An American Dream.
Dead Man Walking: "This Journey"
One of the most riveting operas of the 21st century, Dead Man Walking makes us think in new ways about basic, life-changing concepts, such as guilt, innocence, punishment, and forgiveness. In the first act, Sister Helen ponders the journey that lies ahead of her in becoming a spiritual adviser for the death-row inmate Joseph De Rocher.
Amistad: A virtual experience
In late 1997, Lyric gave the world premiere of a work commissioned from composer Anthony Davis, 2020 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music. The opera retells the 1839 story of the slave ship, La Amistad, whose captives’ rebellion changed the course of history. Learn more about this groundbreaking work in this engaging article from Chicago History Museum, filled with rehearsal photos and illustrations
Blue: The Father
Originally planned for June 2020 and postponed due to the pandemic, Lyric is excited to present Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson's opera Blue. Get an inside look at how bass Kenneth Kellogg prepared to play the role of the father at Washington National Opera.
An American Dream: Inspiring conversations in our communities
One of the most powerful ways music moves us is by sparking conversations, especially on difficult or painful topics. In conjunction with Lyric’s production of An American Dream, Chicago Tribune reporter Lolly Bowean moderated an invigorating discussion exploring the realities of immigration in the U.S. She then penned this powerful story on a new generation of Japanese-Americans and their family history in U.S.-run internment camps.
"Music can change the world because it can change people." –Bono (U2)
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