It’s opera season again, and the name Giuseppe Verdi is on everyone’s lips. His 200th birthday is upon us; and Lyric Opera of Chicago pays homage with one of the reigning Verdi tenors, Johan Botha, singing the title role of Otello. Ana María MartÍnez is the unlucky Desdemona, whose demise is collateral damage to the machinations of Falk Struckmann’s Iago. This is a powerful trio; one that will no doubt sharpen the sting of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
Otello is one of three Verdi operas based on plays by his literary idol, William Shakespeare. Verdi’s devotion to the bard is well-placed, as Otello is widely regarded to be one of the masterpieces of opera. Lyric’s production is a revival of one created by Sir Peter Hall twelve years ago starring Lyric’s creative consultant, Renée Fleming. Bertrand de Billy is the conductor.
Lyric broadcast producer Carolyn Paulin, and Lyric dramaturg Roger Pines have been collecting interviews all week long in preparation for Saturday’s opening night broadcast, which gets underway on Saturday at 4:45 PM.
It’s worth noting that Verdi is not the only musician devoted to Shakespeare. Tenor Johan Botha’s relationship to the poet goes back to his student days. Listen:
Iago (Falk Strukmann) poisons the mind of Otello (Johan Botha), photo by Dan Rest
Otello also marks the return of Chorus Master Michael Black, who was the company’s first choice for the job, but due to numerous complications was unable to accept until this season. His chorus will play a central role in this opera: