Renée Fleming’s Many Roles at Lyric Opera


Soprano Renée Fleming has performed a number of unforgettable roles at Lyric Opera of Chicago. But perhaps her most lasting legacy will be her influence behind the scenes. Since 2010, Fleming has been Lyric Opera's first--and, so far, only--creative consultant. She tells Chicago Tonight about nurturing up-and-coming talent, diversifying programming, and the status of an opera she's curating.

Her holiday CD, “Christmas in New York” was released today, and on Dec. 17 her PBS holiday TV special will premiere on WTTW. Fleming is starring in Lyric Opera’s production of “Capriccio,” by Richard Strauss which runs through Oct. 28.

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Watch a video from her new holiday CD, “Christmas in New York.”


The daughter of two music teachers, Renée Fleming's singing career began with studying at the Eastman School of Music and the Julliard School. It was while attending the latter that she first began performing professionally.

In addition to her work as the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s creative consultant, Fleming is currently curating the creation of a world-premiere opera, based on the best-seller “Bel Canto,” for Lyric Opera’s 2015-2016 season.

View a timeline of highlights from Fleming’s career.

Renée Fleming sings “Un bel di” for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert. Watch the video.

Renée Fleming and Alfie Boe sing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during The Diamond Jubilee BBC Concert on June 4, 2012.

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