Daniel Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas is the first Spanish-language opera to be presented as part of Lyric's mainstage season. Learn more about the plot, characters, and music in this blog post.
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November 13. 2021 - November 28. 2021
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November 13. 2021 - November 28. 2021
Lyric Premiere & New-to-Chicago Production Florencia en el Amazonas
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Lyric’s first Spanish-language work to be presented as part of the mainstage opera season, this story about a glamorous diva on a life-changing adventure on the Amazon is suffused by the entrancing allure of magical realism. Florencia Grimaldi, a renowned diva, is engaged to perform at the opera house of Manaus, Brazil. Traveling there by boat, she’s consumed by longing for her long-lost lover, who she hopes will be awaiting her. Florencia and her fellow passengers are all intensely memorable characters, and they’re illuminated by the magnificent, sumptuous romantic music created by a true musical genius — Mexico’s finest opera composer, Daniel Catán.
- Language: Sung in Spanish with projected English texts
- Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes with 1 intermission
- Location: Lyric Opera House
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Videos
Articles
It’s always exciting when Lyric can bring a new-to-chicago work like Florencia en el Amazonas to our audiences, but it’s even more compelling when it’s being led by one of the world’s most highly respected directors, Francesca Zambello. She began her journey with Lyric back in 1999 and we are delighted to welcome her back to direct the first Spanish-language work to be presented as part of our mainstage opera season.
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The story of a glamorous diva on a life-changing journey down the Amazon River, the opera is inspired by the literary work of legendary author Gabriel García Márquez. Steeped in the beautiful style of magical realism, Florencia premiered 25 years ago in October 1996, and has become a favorite, with productions at more than a dozen opera companies in the U.S., as well as companies in Mexico and Europe.
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By Roger Pines
Read about the inspiration behind Catán's FLORENCIA EN EL AMAZONAS and the lasting legacy of this Spanish-language opera in this insightful interview with Andrea Puente Catán (musician, opera professional, and widow of late composer Daniel Catán).
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With more than fourteen roles to date, it’s always a joy to welcome back a familiar face to the Lyric stage. Bass Raymond Aceto has captivated Chicago audiences with his rich tone and impressive range since his company debut in the 1997/98 Season as The Voice of Neptune in Mozart’s Idomeneo.
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Soprano Ana María Martínez on her relationship with Daniel Catán, the music of FLORENCIA EN EL AMAZONAS, her favorite moments in the opera, and more.
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Missing opera season? We are too. With two Lyric premieres — Florencia en el Amazonas and Fire Shut Up in My Bones — as well as exciting new productions and role debuts, there were countless memorable moments both onstage and off. In order to tide us over until the fall, here are a few of our favorite highlights from the 2021/22 Season.
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Florencia en el Amazonas
Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. & Shirley Welsh Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.
© 2021/22 Lyric Opera Commentaries. All rights reserved.
Florencia en el Amazonas Commentary by Eddie Arruza
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Meet the artists
* Lyric debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumnus
Program book
Go inside this production of Florencia en el Amazonas with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
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Lyric’s premiere of Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas is generously made possible by
Anonymous Donor
Marion A. Cameron-Gray
Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago's Production Circle.
Original production from Houston Grand Opera.
An opera in two acts with music by Daniel Catán and libretto by Marcela Fuentes-Berain.
Production photos: Lynn Lane/Houston Grand Opera