Legendary performer Audra McDonald joins the Lyric Opera of Chicago for a one-night-only concert on Friday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m. "An Evening With Audra McDonald" the 2023 season at the Lyric Opera House.
Chris Reynolds and Gabriella Reyes Perform at the 2022 Lyric Opera Gala
This will be her first time gracing the Lyric Opera stage in Chicago. McDonald will be performing songs from the Great American Songbook, along with the Lyric Opera Orchestra, under the musical direction of conductor Andy Einhorn.
The classically trained McDonald has won six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and a National Medal of Arts. She also holds the record for the most performance-based Tony Awards and is the only performer to win in all four acting categories.
Legendary Broadway Star Audra McDonald Performs at the 2023 Gala
"I love Chicago! I've never performed at Lyric, but I look forward to getting to know the audience," McDonald shares in a press release from the Lyric Opera. "That's the biggest difference with concerts—I am singing to them. I want the audience to feel like they're in my living room and we're going to have an evening together. "An Evening with Audra McDonald"—I take that quite literally. We're going to share. There's going to be a communion between me, the musicians, and the audience. I want them to have a more intimate knowledge of who I am."
Table decor from the 2022 Gala
The concert is part of the Opening Gala for Lyric House of Chicago. In 2022, the gala raised a gross total of $1.1 million, helping the Lyric Opera continue to advance its programs.
Allison McNally, Lyric Opera Event Chair, shared her excitement for the event in an interview with Chicago Star. "She (McDonald) is a superstar and she is coming to the Lyric Opera House for a solo performance and I think all guests who attend should feel uplifted and happy!" McDonald has performed with major orchestras across the US and for renowned companies, including Houston Grand Opera and Los Angeles Opera. The Lyric Opera of Chicago is excited to host this vocal powerhouse on Chicago's largest stage for her first appearance here."
The 2021 Gala Tent along the Chicago River
For Gala ticket holders, the event will include a red carpet, pre-performance cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres, followed by dinner and dancing after the concert in support of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
To purchase single concert tickets or to learn more about Season Opening Gala and purchase gala seating, visit lyricopera.org or call 312.827.5600
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