The operas of Giuseppe Verdi play an integral role in the standard opera repertoire. La Traviata and Rigoletto were among the ten most commonly performed operas in North America from 1996 to 2006, according to Opera America, and Verdi’s operas continue to headline seasons worldwide. Thus, the prevalence of Verdi’s composition in the upcoming season of many Chicago companies may not seem out of the ordinary. However, these diverse Verdi offerings have extra significance this year: to celebrate the bicentennial of Verdi’s birth on Oct. 10.
Chicago’s celebration of Verdi’s bicentennial begins this summer with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s concert performance of Aida at Ravinia on Aug. 3. This performance stars famed French-Sicilian tenor Roberto Alagna as Radames and frequent Lyric Opera of Chicago bass-baritone Mark Delevan as Amonasro.
Even Chicago Opera Theatre (COT) has cleverly found a way to celebrate Verdi’s birthday while adhering to their mission of bringing less famous works to life. COT will offer a rare opportunity to see Verdi’sGiovanna d’Arco (Joan of Arc) on Sept. 21, 25, 27, and 29. This work, written in 1845, was not performed in the US until a Carnegie Hall performance in 1966.
Meanwhile, the Lyric Opera of Chicago recognizes the Verdi bicentennial by performing Otello as its opening night gala on Oct. 5. While his penultimate opera has garnered great critical acclaim, it is not among the most commonly performed due to the difficulties of casting the title role.
Finally, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrates Verdi’s birthday with a live online streaming of his Messa da Requiem on Oct. 10 conducted by Riccardo Muti.
Check out these opportunities to celebrate Verdi’s 200th birthday!
