Renee Fleming to Star in CAPRICCIO at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, 10/6-28

Lyric Opera of Chicago's 60th anniversary season continues with Capriccio, starring Renée Fleming and conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, longtime collaborators in performance and colleagues as Lyric's creative consultant and music director respectively. Richard Strauss's final opera "reunites Renée in a signature role with Sir Andrew, in a lovely production previously seen here in 1994," says Anthony Freud, Lyric's general director.

The stylish Art-Deco production, originally staged by renowned director John Cox, will be directed by Peter McClintock in this revival. It opens on Monday, October 6 with 7 performances through Tuesday, October 28. Performance dates are Oct. 6, 9, 22, 25, and 28 at 7:30pm and Oct. 12 at 2pm. Capriccio will be sung in German with projected English texts.

Freud noted that four large screens -- two each in the upper and lower balconies -- will broadcast HD video to enhance the performance experience of this intimate opera for balcony patrons on Oct. 9, 15, 22, and 28. These screens have been used by Lyric previously for several special events and performances. The screens will measure 12 x 8 feet, and are custom made. They will hang on the sides of the theater so there will be no obstructed views of the stage or the projected titles.

"I am delighted that Lyric continues to find innovative ways to expand our audience's enjoyment of opera," said Fleming, who is Lyric's creative consultant and also stars in the production. "Operagoers in balcony seats will, at these performances, have the option of a close-up view of the action with these screens. This technology will let more patrons experience the subtleties of the story, nuances of our performances, and details of the gorgeous costumes and scenery, at a glance."

Strauss (1864-1949) subtitled Capriccio "A Conversation Piece for Music." It is one of the most captivatingly sophisticated works in the repertoire, in which a basic conflict in the nature of opera itself is debated: which is more important, the words or the music? That question manifests itself in a vital decision in the life of the beautiful widow, Countess Madeleine (soprano Renée Fleming): Should she choose as her lover the composer Flamand (tenor William Burden) or the poet Olivier (baritone Audun Iversen, debut)? Meanwhile, Madeleine's brother, the Count (baritone Bo Skovhus), is intoxicated by the glamorous actress Clairon (mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter). Joined by the garrulous theater director La Roche (bass Peter Rose), the entire group gathers for conversation at Madeleine's home, where the hostess is deeply hesitant when the poet and composer ask her to decide the ending of their new opera.

Lyric's presentation of Capriccio features sets by the late Mauro Pagano, costumes and interior décor by Robert Perdziola, lighting by Duane Schuler, and choreography by Val Caniparoli. (There is no chorus in Capriccio.)

The Lyric Opera presentation generously made possible by an Anonymous Donor, Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomas Hurvis, Nancy W. Knowles, and Margot and Josef Lakonishok. Production owned by the Metropolitan Opera.

For tickets and information call (312) 827-5600 or go to lyricopera.org. For video and articles about this production, visit lyricopera.org/InsideCapriccio.

The Oct. 6 opening night performance will be broadcast live on 98.7WFMT and streamed on wfmt.com starting at 7:15pm.

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