From a press release
CHICAGO ( August 10, 2016 ) The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, in association with Lyric Unlimited, has announced the return of Beyond the Aria the highly acclaimed performance series produced by the Harris Theater which pairs internationally celebrated opera singers of Lyric's mainstage alongside rising stars from The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Beyond the Aria brings audiences a one-night-only experience with some of the greatest operatic talents of our generation in performances that will never be repeated. To audiences' delight, artists perform a repertoire of their choosing which may include Broadway, American Songbook, Jazz, and more, with accompaniment by pianist Craig Terry. These intimate performances take place "cabaret style," seated on the enclosed stage of thePritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. Each is unique and customized by the featured artists, and the program is always a surprise for audiences to experience together as it unfolds. Craig Terry returns as Artistic Director for Beyond the Aria.
These performances are sure to sell out. Reserve your seats now with a series subscription to these five incredible performances on October 17, November 16, January 19, February 21, and April 26 ( full details below ). Purchase choral riser subscriptions for $250 at the link: my.harristheaterchicago.org/subscription/packageDetail.aspx ; single choral riser tickets are $60. Table subscriptions start at $1,250; please call 312-334-7777 to reserve. Single tickets go on sale on August 15 .
"The success of Beyond the Aria has been incredible the feedback from both artists and audiences alike has been one of inspiration and tremendous respect," said Michael Tiknis, President and Managing Director of Harris Theater. "It is an honor producing something, in association with Lyric Unlimited, that is so special and exclusive. There is nowhere else to experience performances like these where you can really see into the personalities of the artists we admire."
Audiences will share the stage with very special guests soprano and Lyric Opera Creative Consultant Renée Fleming, and mezzo-sopranoStephanie Blythe, as well as acclaimed performers from Lyric's 20162017 season: bass-baritone Eric Owens, Wotan in Das Rheingold; tenorPiotr Beczała, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor; soprano Christiane Karg, Pamina in The Magic Flute; bass-baritone Adam Plachetka, Papageno in The Magic Flute; tenor Russell Thomas, Pollione in Norma; and mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong, Adalgisa in Norma. Joining them are Ryan Opera Center ensemble members: sopranos Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi and Diana Newman, mezzo-sopranos Lindsay Metzger andAnnie Rosen, baritone Takaoki Onishi, bass-baritone Bradley Smoak, and bass Patrick Guetti.
"It's difficult to believe that this will be our third season of Beyond the Aria!" said Artistic Director Craig Terry. "The experience of artists and audiences alike responding so enthusiastically to both the unique environment and diverse repertoire has been a joy of almost unfathomable proportions. I've treasured every evening. The coming season promises to be our best yet, with myriad surprises in store!"
The Harris Theater gratefully acknowledges generous support from Kenneth R. Norgan, Beyond the Aria Series Presenting Sponsor. Additional support has been provided by the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Series Lead Foundation Sponsor.
Choral riser subscriptions are on sale now for $250 purchase them HERE. All single tickets are available through the Harris Theater Box Office beginning August 15 at 205 East Randolph Drive, 312.334.7777, and online at HarrisTheaterChicago.org . For table subscriptions, starting at $1,250, please call 312-334-7777.
Dates and artists for Beyond the Aria are below:
Monday, October 17, 2016, 7:30 PM
Featuring Eric Owens, bass-baritone, Piotr Beczała, tenor, Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi, soprano
Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 7:30 PM
Featuring Renée Fleming, soprano, Annie Rosen, mezzo-soprano, Takaoki Onishi, baritone
Thursday, January 19, 2017, 7:30 PM
Featuring Christiane Karg, soprano, Adam Plachetka, bass-baritone, Lindsay Metzger, mezzo-soprano
Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 7:30 PM
Featuring Russell Thomas, tenor, Elizabeth DeShong, mezzo-soprano, Patrick Guetti, bass
Wednesday, April 26, 2017, 7:30 PM
Featuring Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano, Diana Newman, soprano, Bradley Smoak, bass-baritone