After Pandemic Slowdown, Lyric Opera of Chicago Music Director Looks to Ramp Back Up


Maestro Enrique Mazzola took over as music director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2019 with grand plans for the 70-year-old institution.

Then the pandemic hit.

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Production shut down for parts of the last two years as COVID-19 ebbed and flowed.

“During the difficulties, I really wanted to find solutions to make music … We really put our forces together and we learned how to make music throughout the difficulties,” said Mazzola.

Now, Lyric is back in a big way with two epic productions — Verdi’s “Don Carlos” and Rossini’s “Le Comte Ory” alternating on the stage right now. Mazzola is conducting both.

Even before the pandemic, opera houses were struggling to keep their audiences. Looking to the future, Mazzola says he makes music for everyone.

“Opera speaks to everyone, especially because when we see opera we feel sentiments that we receive from the singers…,” he said. “Because opera goes through all these feelings, there is a moment in which we identify ourselves with what is happening on stage.”

For more information about Lyric Opera of Chicago productions visit lyricopera.org.


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