Legendary opera star Maria Callas will return to the stage of Chicago’s Lyric Opera this fall — more than 40 years after her passing.
The superstar soprano, one of the most celebrated and controversial of the 20th century, will be presented in concert as a hologram in “Callas in Concert —The Hologram Tour,” in what’s billed as “the first of its kind live concert tour” courtesy of BASE Hologram Productions. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at the opera house, 20 N. Wacker.
Callas made her American debut at the Lyric in 1954. The new production features digital and laser projections of Callas featuring digitally remastered vocals, which will be accompanied live by the Lyric Opera Orchestra on stage conducted by Eímear Noone. Among the program’s highlights: the Card Aria, “En vain pour éviter,” from Bizet’s “Carmen” (see the hologram video below), “Una macchia è qui tutt’ora” from Verdi’s “Macbeth,” and “À vos jeux, mes amis” from Thomas’ “Hamlet.”
“This is something special, and given today’s culture, audiences are looking for that unique hook to get them out of their homes and into communal experiences.” said Marty Tudor, executive producer and CEO of BASE Hologram Productions in a statement. “This production does that in an innovative, creative, and immersive way that changes the live show landscape.”
Tickets, $39-$125, are currently on sale at www.lyricopera.org.
