Summer in Chicago brings out the outdoorsman in all of us, and the city heads outside. What could be better on a crisp autumnal evening than a great concert under the stars? Fortunately for us, city mice, Chicago makes it easy to enjoy music outdoors. And my favorite (free!) summer concert venue is Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Millennium Park is always on my radar for a variety of music. But I am very partial to classical concerts, when our fair city’s exceptional symphony orchestra comes out to play.
Recently though I was invited to Stars of Lyric Opera fall concert at the Pritzker Pavilion. As an opera aficionado, I jumped at the chance to hear some of my favorite pieces and singers. The fall concert is a bit of a preview of the upcoming Lyric Opera season, and if what I heard is any indication, the 2018-2019 season will be nothing short of spectacular.
The new season kicks off in October with the incomparable Puccini’s La bohéme. In fact, the cast of La bohéme was out full force at Millennium Park, performing the end of Act I, followed by Act II in its entirety. La bohéme is one of my favorite operas, and I can’t wait for the opening night! The new season brings with it seven new productions, four Lyric premieres, West Side Story as its musical choice, as well as Anna Netrebko recital and Reneé Fleming in concert. The operas this season are diverse and will appeal to all audiences. Besides La bohéme Chicago opera lovers will be able to enjoy Idomeneo, Siegfried, Il Trovatore, Cinderella, Elektra, La Traviata, Ariodante, and An American Dream.
If you didn’t catch Stars of Lyric Opera alfresco, don’t fret. Promo code MP2018 gets you 25% off regular season tickets on select dates. You can get your opera fix in style! Meanwhile, the outdoor performances at Jay Pritzker Pavillion are winding down for the season. But be on the lookout for spring! I know I will be.
The Local Tourist reserved seating courtesy of the Lyric Opera. Concert is free of charge, and any unreserved seating is first come, first served.
Jay PritzkerPavilion is located in Chicago’s Millennium Park, nearby intersection of Randolph Street & Michigan Avenue.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is located in Civic Opera Building, 20 N. Upper Wacker, in the heart of Chicago Loop.
All photos by Gourmet Rambler.
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