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Articles tagged with: Chicago Children’s Choir

‘Turandot’ at Lyric Opera: Recapturing mythic exoticism with theatrical flair, on a grand scale

Dec 8, 2017 – 11:22 am
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Review: A dark and mythical love story set long, long ago in an imaginary locale in China, Giacomo Puccini’s final opera, “Turandot,” has traditionally brought out the grand in grand opera. And so it does again in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s lavish production, which is dominated by a massive, eye-grabbing sculpture of a serpentine dragon that undulates across and through a steeply raked set with an array of other changing scenic touches. ★★★

‘Carmen’ at Lyric Opera: Allure’s everywhere, then bizarre finale lets the tragic line fall slack

Feb 15, 2017 – 9:08 am
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Review: There is much to recommend the new Lyric Opera production of Bizet’s “Carmen,” a joint venture with the Houston Grand Opera. Topping the list is mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova’s scorching performance in her role debut as the Gypsy femme fatale. But in the final act, where amid much splendor one anticipates a hair-raising pay-off, director-choreographer Rob Ashford loses his way. ★★★

Grant Park Chorus director Christopher Bell, newly lauded, cues troops for ‘War Requiem’

Jun 27, 2013 – 7:21 am
Grant Park Chorus and Orchestra conducted by Carlos Kalmar credit Patrick Pyszka

Preview: On a vigorous summer schedule for the Grant Park Chorus and its lately honored director, performances of Benjamin Britten’s monumental “War Requiem” June 28-29 pose the kind of challenges that choristers live for. “A piece of music has to weather the storms of time, and the ‘War Requiem’ has shown its staying power,” says Grant Park Chorus director Christopher Bell, who earlier this month received a lifetime achievement award at Chorus America’s annual convention in Seattle.

Opening Carnegie Hall season, Muti and CSO match the celebrity sparkle of a packed house

Oct 3, 2012 – 10:48 pm
Duaine Wolfe, director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, listens from the back of Carnegie Hall as the CSO rehearses for the evening concert. Chicago Symphony Orchestra NY Mexico Tour October 2012 credit Todd Rosenberg

Report from NYC: “Carmina Burana”