A new Diva is born, in the person of Michelle Bradley, who channeled the most famous Tosca of all, Maria Callas, in the new-to-Lyric Opera Chicago’s presentation of one of Giacomo Puccini’s dramatic operas. This seamless presentation of his towering masterpiece runs through April 10th at the Civic Opera House. It is a must-see, not only for lovers of opera, but also for those whose love of liberty and freedom courses through their veins. It is a theme that dominated the evening.
With the Lyric Opera chorus and orchestra leading a standing audience in the stirring Ukrainian National Anthem on
Opening Night, in recognition of the valiant fighting of the Ukrainian Resistance to Russian occupation.
Set in Rome in 1800, the central theme of Tosca revolves around the domination of Italy by the Hapsburg dynasty of Germany. Napoleon Bonaparte has emerged as the leader of the resistance, and that is where we find the central plot and characters of Puccini’s Tosca. They are eerily reflective of today’s tumultuous events.
Lyric Opera made history with the first Asian woman to conduct an opera in the person of Eun Sun Kim, San Francisco Opera’s new music director. Her mastery of Puccini’s demanding score was evident throughout.
A pair of dynamic voices brought new energy to the complex roles of Tosca, sung brilliantly by Michelle Bradley and Russell Thomas, who, from his first aria, let it be known that his is a Cavaradossi to be reckoned with. It was exciting to see two dynamic African American stars propel this treasured gem to new heights.
This was no ordinary night at the opera. It was a rare opportunity to see a beloved dramatic opera given renewed vitality. Now through April 10. Visit lyricopera.org.
