Macbeth at Lyric Opera

Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended

"...Supported by an amazing cast, including stand-out tenor Leonard Capalbo as Macduff; this performance was everything an opening night of world-class opera should be. The Lyric Opera chorus brings complexity and depth to the epic crowd scenes (in Verdi’s Macbeth the three witches become a coven) and the entire production is borne on the shoulders of the fantastic Lyric orchestra, under the direction of internationally acclaimed opera conductor (and Chicago favorite) Renato Palumbo. Despite a few clunky scene changes in the early going and pacing that lagged a bit in the 4th act (sure to be tightened up as the production matures) Macbeth is an absolutely dazzling experience."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...I was transfixed and thoroughly delighted by the spectacle  and the quality of the staging that enhanced the scope of Hampson and Michael’s engaging performances. The audience gave a long and enthusiastic standing ovation to the opera. Beauty, melodies, expert vocals prevail at the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Macbeth. This is a moving grand opera. don’t miss it."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...At the heart of this heartless tale, of course, is Thomas Hampson’s magisterial Macbeth, his Baritone a force of nature.  His capitulation before the forces of evil that he once exploited and to which he now succumbs is both memorable and inevitable.  Nadja Michael’s sultry slim Lady Macbeth seems a triumph of anorexic malevolence, a wheedling siren with a superb soprano who turns Verdi’s gorgeous floating arias into lyrical bliss while capturing every emotion he intended.  Stefan Kocan’s authoritative bass registers Banquo’s stature and his posthumous rage, while Leonardo Capalbo's soaring tenor is all the righteousness that Macduff demands."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...For a combination of stunning spectacle and masterful acting and singing, Macbeth is the perfect production for those wanting to witness opera for the first time."