Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Lyric's production, directed by Louisa Muller with sets and costumes designed by Scott Marr and lights by Duane Schuler, has a sense of that dynamic, even though any radicalism of point of view feels subsumed by a visually traditional a staging, filled with grand vistas of 16th century Spain and humans wandering through different palaces and tombs, their desires forever fighting with the scale of their surroundings."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Arguably, the two standouts were the lower-voiced principals, starting with baritone Quinn Kelsey, who has appeared in 18 roles at Lyric since 2003-04 and took the role of Carlo, king of Spain. Although he seemed to have trouble warming up in Act 1, he delivered one of the finest arias of the evening in the Act 3, a poignant and at times almost forlorn look back at his life as he vows to change if crowned Holy Roman Emperor."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"...In Verdi’s opera, Ernani’s honor-bound death leaves the young heroine Elvira bereft of the man she loves and facing the likely prospect of a forced marriage to her uncle and guardian Don Ruy Gómez de Silva, the very man who ultimately demands Ermani’s self-inflicted death. Did I mention that Elvira is also sought after by Carlos, the King of Spain, who tried to abduct her? Or that Ernani, the nobly born hero, has.spent a lot of time recently as a bandit?"
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...Ernani is billed as the second installment in Lyric Opera’s early Verdi series, which began with Luisa Miller in 2019-20. This, despite a production of Nabucco in 2016, which is earlier than both Ernani and Luisa Miller. No matter. Ernani contains some very beautiful music that deserves to be better known on its own merits and not just because of where it is situated in the composer’s musical development. This is particularly true of the haunting woodwinds at the beginning of Act Three. As a drama, however, it is not so compelling. Despite the excellence of this production, Ernani cannot be recommended wholly and without reservation."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Ernani gives the audience nearly three hours of spectacle, glorious music, high drama and grandeur, acres of velvet and brocade and jewels, and stunning scenery-- it's a feast for your senses and like nothing else. If you are new to opera or to this opera, check out the free pre-show presentations which help educate and illuminate with an enthusiastic and down to earth expert. And don't worry if you don't speak Italian- English supertitles are projected above the proscenium."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...For the uninitiated (and perhaps even for those clued in) thinking of going to the opera, the Lyric’s Ernani is likely what they have in mind. This lush 2022-2023 season opener is, from its 16th century Spanish setting to rich medieval costumes to a large and stage-filling chorus, is everything one has in mind when they think of the opera. And with a quartet of powerful pipes at its center, Verdi’s “love quadrangle,” as the program describes it, gets a vibrant and engaging staging on now through October 1."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...While the rumble of a rolling timpani and foreboding horns quietly crawl out from the pit orchestra, our protagonist, Ernani, finds himself alone in a sea of darkness, suspended in a thick, foggy smoke. As more carefree strings follow suit, a short scene is illuminated on Ernani's right: a fight, perhaps a duel, taking place in slow motion, as if in a dream or lost memory. All Ernani can do is watch."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Director Louisa Muller’s physically quiet production regularly bursts into vocal fireworks at the hands of Russell Thomas (Ernani), Tamara Wilson (Elvira), Quinn Kelsey (Don Carlo), and Christian Van Horn (Silva). Thomas is singularly well-suited to this repertoire, and Wilson spins vocal filigree of silvery steel that must make Verdi smile from his grave. Kelsey does fine work both vocally and theatrically, and Van Horn is at his best, elevating every moment that he stands upon the stage."
