Lyric Unlimited Presents CHARLIE PARKER YARDBIRD OPERA, 3/24

Lyric Opera of Chicago and Lyric Unlimited are proud to present the Chicago Premiere of a jazz-infused operatic event, Charlie Parker's Yardbird - A Chamber Concert. Directed by Ron Daniels, this 90-minute opera explores the extraordinary life of legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. In partnership with the Harris Theatre, performances take place two nights only, March 24 & March 26, 2017.

Tickets are now on sale for Charlie Parker's Yardbird - A Chamber Opera on March 24 at 7:30 p.m. and March 26 at 2 p.m. at the Harris Theatre (205 E Randolph Street, Chicago). Tickets start at $35 and are available at lyricopera.org/yardbird or at 312.827.5600.

In that empty twilight between life and death, tortured jazzman Charlie Parker composes his final masterpiece, revisiting the inspirations, demons, and women who fueled his creative genius. This freeform expedition into the mind, heart and personal purgatory of the bebop great stars Lawrence Brownlee as the legendary saxophonist. Set in the famed NYC jazz club Birdland,Angela Brown sings the role of Parker's mother, Addie. Krysty Swann, Rachel Sterrenberg and Angela Mortellaro portray his wives Rebecca, Chan and Doris. Ryan Opera Center alumni Will Liverman sings the role of Dizzy Gillespie, Parker's fellow jazz legend, and Julie Miller as the "Baroness of Jazz," Baroness Nica.

Kelly Kuo conducts a 16-piece orchestra with music by Daniel Schnyder and libretto by Bridgette A. Wimberly. Performed in English with projectEd English texts.

Following the opera, audience members are invited to enjoy a performance of Parker's music by members of Orbert Davis' Chicago Jazz Philharmonic featuring Rajiv Halim (alto sax).

Charlie Parker's Yardbird is made possible by the Eisen Family Foundation, The Ferguson-Yntema Family Charitable Trust,Mr. and Mrs. Eric L. Hirschfield, and Kenneth R. Norgan.

The opera is presented in partnership with the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Production owned by Opera Philadelphia.

(Photo Credit: Lyric Unlimited)

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