Il Trovatore at Lyric Opera

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Conductor Asher Fisch drew a most satisfying account of the score from his players (not to mention those anvils!). Chorus master Michael Black's assemblage made exhilarating work of the ensemble writing, particularly with an exquisitely sung "Miserere" that reminded us again how lucky we are to have him here."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...Director-choreographer Leah Hausman staged this revival with an exciting sense of momentum, fully supported by conductor Asher Fisch and Lyric’s orchestra. Soft-edged, plangent woodwinds underscored the opera’s melancholy mood, and pulsing strings were a comforting presence its opera’s quiet moments. But when the famous Anvil Chorus erupted, the dry ring of massive hammers on unforgiving metal was both thrilling and chilling."

Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended

"...Baritone Quinn Kelsey’s portrayal of Count di Luna makes him the break out star of Lyric’s Il Trovatore. This Ryan Opera Center alum’s perfect synthesis of fine singing and acting takes what could have been a one-dimensional villain and imbues him with great humanity. Verdi’s tragedy is made deeply real to the audience by this sympathetic portrayal of a good man robbed of his family, a man who sees history about to repeat itself. Kelsey’s Count di Luna is not so much the unintentional villain, as the unintentional victim of a cruel fate. This subtlety of performance, staging and direction is indicative of the creative path our “new” Lyric Opera is taking, to realize greater levels of perfection and transformative power. Bravo."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...There’s nothing subtle about Verdi’s ambitiously conceived Il Trovatore (The Troubadour). Grandly realized and magnificently staged by Lyric Opera, it is one of the three triumphs of Verdi’s “middle period.” Preceded by Rigoletto, the composer followed it with La Traviata, with which it shares more than just a similar-sounding title. Both are dramatic tales of tragic love featuring demanding vocal roles and off-stage serenades sung by the lead tenor.

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...It wouldn’t be a melodrama if it didn’t require strong music to carry it, but of course, that’s why it’s famous. The principals all inhabit their characters and make them work within the context of this world. In her song “Stride la vampa,” Blythe establishes her character’s self-loathing and anger against the world. But there’s also a grim pleasure in being a revenger; she smiles as she gives a little boy a knife to make mischief of his own. Kelsey’s di Luna is a stooped, scruffy man who has the misfortune of appearing messy when he really isn’t. His aria “Il balen del suo sorriso” is a heartfelt ode to Leonora, but crosses into unhealthy obsession."