Karen Slack, Lyric Unlimited's Artist-In-Residence, To Present Three-Part Recital Series

Karen Slack, the 2024/25 Lyric Unlimited Artist-in-Residence, will present a three-recital series — the first of its kind for an artist-in-residence — designed to connect with diverse audiences across Chicago.

Renowned for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, the soprano Karen Slack will present audiences with programs that blend classical masterworks with contemporary compositions, offering a rich musical journey that spans multiple genres and themes. Each recital will explore cultural, social, and personal narratives through song. The series begins on November 12 at Lyric Opera of Chicago with Of Thee I Sing! Songs of Love and Justice and continues with Dream Variations at Northwestern University on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 and Beyond the Years Saturday, June 14.

"This recital series is a truly special endeavor for Lyric," says Afton Battle, Vice President of Lyric Unlimited and Artistic Operations. "It's more than just a performance — it's a chance to engage with both the rich history of music and its evolving forms. In Karen, we are not just showcasing a talented artist; we are fostering a meaningful connection between her music and the communities we serve at Lyric. Karen's passion for storytelling, both in her music and her work with Lyric Unlimited, makes her the perfect choice to lead this initiative."

According to Slack, these recitals are a chance to push boundaries and share stories that resonate with today's audiences. "These performances are deeply personal to me," Slack says. "I want the audience to walk away feeling both challenged and inspired. Each recital reflects a different part of who I am as an artist — Of Thee I Sing! will be particularly powerful, with music and visuals that speak to themes of both love and justice for all. As a society, we struggle with these issues in today's world. I hope people will take away the idea that without love and seeing the humanity in one another, there can never be justice — and that they leave with a renewed sense of connection to each other and to the world."

A celebrated performer who made her Lyric debut in Porgy and Bess in the 2014/15 Season, Slack has graced major stages worldwide and is known for premiering works by contemporary composers, particularly elevating Black artists. The three-recital series will feature Slack performing alongside distinguished collaborators.

Of Thee I Sing! Songs of Love and Justice

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. | Lyric Opera of Chicago
Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer

Slack opens the series with Of Thee I Sing! Songs of Love and Justice, a recital staged in Lyric's magnificent Art Deco foyer with pianist Kamilla Arku and striking visual design from Angela Owens. Created by Slack during the pandemic in response to George Floyd's murder, this program highlights Langston Hughes's powerful poem The Kids Who Die, set by composer Scott Gendel, and features works by H.T. Burleigh, Clayton White, Undine Smith Moore, H. Leslie Adams, Ricky Ian Gordon, Adolphus Hailstork, and Jake Heggie, all exploring themes of love and justice. A post-recital discussion will follow, featuring Slack, Arku, and Owens, offering exclusive insights into their artistic collaboration.

Dream Variations – Nina, Lena, and Tina

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. | Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall at Northwestern University's Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts

In Dream Variations, Slack will be joined by pianist Mark Markham for a recital that blends classical and popular music. This concert features works by Mahler, Strauss, and Brahms alongside a tribute to Nina Simone, Lena Horne, and Tina Turner, honoring their groundbreaking artistry, powerful activism, and profound influence on American music and culture.

Beyond the Years

Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. | Location being confirmed

Slack's final performance, Beyond the Years, will focus on the music of Florence Price, including selections from Slack's latest album of the same name. Pianist Michelle Cann will accompany her, and a post-concert discussion with Lyric Unlimited Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Antonio C. Cuyler will follow, examining Price's enduring impact on classical music.

In addition to her recital series, Slack's role as Lyric Unlimited's Artist-in-Residence encompasses a wide array of forums, master classes, and special events designed to deepen audience engagement and enrich the community's cultural experience. Among her initiatives are OPERA Insights presents My Part of Town, inspired by Slack's popular Facebook Live chat show featuring a three episode video series to be streamed via Lyric Opera's YouTube channel. This series features Chicago natives starring in the upcoming 2024/25 Season including Zoie Reams from Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson's Blue, Ailyn Pérez from Puccini's La Bohème, and Nicole Heaston from Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek's The Listeners. Message in the Music will explore the human stories in opera through community partnerships, while collaborative master classes at local universities will offer students hands-on training with Slack. She will also host artist talkbacks before and after select Lyric performances, giving audiences direct insights into the works and creative process.

Tickets for Of Thee I Sing! are available now at lyricopera.org/Of-Thee-I-Sing, with ticketing information for the additional recitals to be shared soon.

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