Lyric Opera 2018-2019 Issue 5 Il Travatore

L Y R I C O P E R A O F C H I C A G O November 17 - December 9, 2018 | 17 I won’t understand what they’re singing. Unless you’re fluent in Italian, French, or German, no one expects you to understand all the words of even some of the world’s most popular operas. Located above the stage and below the proscenium arch at Lyric is a long rectangular screen. During opera performances, that screen is the audience’s language guide. Lyric uses projected titles for every mainstage opera production, including operas presented in English. Canadian Opera Company in Toronto began using projected titles in 1983, and since then, the practice has been adopted in almost all major opera houses worldwide. The technology is constantly being updated: in 1995, the Metropolitan Opera introduced its own patented “Met Titles,” which are displayed on the backs of chairs. A handful of other companies have recently introduced new systems that send titles through a radio signal to a hand-held Braille keyboard, allowing blind or low-vision patrons to read titles. At Lyric, much care goes to ensuring the titles go off without a hitch. Amy Thompson, an assistant stage manager, is responsible for “calling” the titles cues during most productions: “Titles are not automated – you don’t just hit a button and the titles appear and keep their own time. I keep the titles in time with the music, and ensure that the formatting is consistent from production to production.” In addition to translating foreign-language productions, these titles help hearing-impaired audience members understand and enjoy performances. Projected titles are another step opera companies have taken to make opera accessible in every possible way. Opera is only for older audiences. Art is just as impactful for young people as for adults. According to Todd Snead, director of learning programs at Lyric, “When you bring young audiences to the opera, you’re engaging them with music, drama, grand sets and costumes, dance, and the strong emotions and excitement that accompany excellent storytelling.” Through Lyric Unlimited, the branch of Lyric Opera devoted to education, community engagement, and new artistic initiatives, several programs have been developed to encourage young people to engage with opera: Operas adapted or created specifically for young people have been presented through Opera in the Neighborhoods since 1996. These touring productions bring youth-centric productions to nearly 20,000 students each season. Opera Residencies work with schools across the city to send Lyric teaching artists into classrooms to teach students about their work and eventually assist them with writing an original opera. Youth Opera Council allows high school students with a passion for the arts to become familiar with Lyric’s inner workings while also organizing events for other teens. Student matinee performances are scheduled throughout each season, where educators are encouraged to replace their regular classes with a day at the opera house. Lyric also strives to get young adults in the door: Lyric Young Professionals (LYP) is a growing group of opera supporters determined to bring the art form into the next generation. Opera lovers between the ages of 21-45 can join LYP at one of four subscription levels to participate in a variety of exclusive events and ticket deals. College Nights have also become a popular Lyric offering: about four times per season, Lyric hosts university students for a pre-show reception, a $20 opera ticket, and a Q&A with a member of Lyric's creative team. Lisa Middleton, vice president of marketing and communications, says the company “is committed to fostering programs for children, students, and young professionals to encourage a lifelong love of opera.” titles! This photo shows Lyric’s production of Tosca (2009/10 season) with projected titles, which have been conquering opera’s language barrier in theaters large and small for the past 35 years. Opera has always appealed to young audiences, now more than ever. Pictured (top) are a budding cellist, learning about the instrument from the Lyric Opera Orchestra’s Bill Cernota; (middle) Lyric Unlimited’s presentation of Empower , an opera written and performed by students at the Lyric Opera House; and (bottom) members of the Lyric Young Professionals, pictured at a “Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park” concert with Lyric creative consultant Renée Fleming. young people! ROBERT KUSEL