Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Issue 5 - Cinderella

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 8 What a pleasure it is to welcome you to this performance of one of the classics of the bel canto repertoire—in an equally classic and unique production. With its sparkling wit and unbridled joy, Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella has delighted generations of operagoers. Few interpretations of the work could rival that of the original director and designer of our production, Jean-Pierre Ponelle. This great artist passionately believed that fidelity to the score was the key priority of anyone wishing to make opera, and this production, which originally premiered at San Francisco in 1969, represents the innovative visionary at the height of his powers. For more on his career and bold vision, please read the insightful essay starting on page 24. Our cast brings the eagerly awaited debuts of two dazzling young stars on the international scene. Our heroine, Vasilisa Berzhanskya, is a former member of both the Salzburg Festival’s Young Artists program and the ensemble at Deutsche Oper Berlin. This season alone, she will appear there as well as at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, and in Vienna. She is a mezzo-soprano we’ll all be watching in years to come. Her princely romantic interest is the exciting young American tenor Jack Swanson. In recent seasons, he has made auspicious debuts at the Metropolitan Opera and at the Staatsoper Hamburg. He recently made his debut at Houston Grand Opera as Fenton in Falstaff . Fresh from his success in our recent Daughter of the Regimen t, the legendary Alessandro Corbelli returns to Lyric as Don Magnifico, one of his signature roles. This production marks his 10th role at Lyric. Making her debut is the exciting young conductor Yi-Chen Lin, who in recent seasons has caught the notice of audiences worldwide. Rounding out the ensemble for this special occasion is, of course, you—our wonderful audience. Your generous support is critical for bringing these talents to our stage. We remain profoundly grateful to you for being part of the Lyric Opera family. Please get ready to laugh—and enjoy the show! From the Chair and the General Director SYLVIA NEIL Chair ANTHONY FREUD OBE President, General Director & CEO The Women’s Board Endowed Chair Todd Rosenberg Todd Rosenberg