Haymarket Opera Company has emerged as an early innovator during the disruption of the global pandemic. Its production of Handel’s Acis and Galatea, presented on film in October 2020, prompted the Chicago Tribune to report that “18th-century opera found a new home in 21st-century technology.” Filmed at Chicago’s Resolution Studios, Apollo e Dafne is conducted by Haymarket founder Craig Trompeter. The month continues with two operas from The Royal Opera.
6/12 Handel: Acis Galatea / Apollo e Dafne (Double Bill from Haymarket Opera Company)
Chicago’s Haymarket Opera Company begins the 2021 Opera Series with a Handel Double-Bill: Acis and Galatea backed with Handel’s secular oratorio Apollo e Dafne. Michael St. Peter, “a discovery” (Chicago Classical Review), returns to Haymarket to sing the role of Acis, while Chicago’s own “bright, alluring soprano” (Chicago Tribune) Kimberly Jones is stunning as the sea nymph Galatea. In Apollo e Dafne, the dynamic duo of soprano Erica Schuller and baritone Ryan de Ryke bring vigor and talent to the roles of Daphne and Apollo in Handel’s youthful masterpiece. Schuller’s burnished soprano “easily wins our hearts with her infectious goodness, winning smile, and gorgeous tone” (Stage and Cinema) and De Ryke’s “supple, refined baritone” (Chicago Classical Review) is the ultimate match for the virtuosic demands of Handel’s Apollo.
6/19 Puccini: Tosca (Royal Opera)
Puccini’s Tosca receives the royal treatment, with Angela Gheorghiu in the title role, with Jonas Kaufmann as Cavaradossi, and Sir Bryn Terfel as Scarpia.
6/26 Verdi: Les Vêpres siciliennes (Royal Opera)
Verdi’s grand opera Les vêpres siciliennes with Lianna Haroutounian as Hélène, Bryan Hymel in the role of Henri, supported by a gorgeous cast.
