February 27, 2025
A Wondrous Sound: Q&A with Michael Black
As everyone at Lyric Opera of Chicago works on the preparations for the upcoming A Wondrous Sound concert event, we went straight to Lyric's Chorus Director and Head of Music, Michael Black, to get the inside scoop.
What can audiences expect from A Wondrous Sound? What excites you most about this concert?
A Wondrous Sound is an incredibly family-friendly concert that brings together the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of our music director, Enrique Mazzola. The program features some of the most beloved overtures and choral numbers from opera and musical theater. For example, the orchestra will perform the overture to Carmen, followed by the chorus singing some of its famous numbers. You’ll also hear the overture to West Side Story, followed by a choral selection. There will be the Soldiers’ Chorus from Faust, the Cigarette Chorus from Carmen, and the Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly. The evening closes with a selection of musical theater pieces by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It’s truly a feel-good concert for the whole family!
Choral Director and Head of Music Michael Black, addressing the audience at a recent performance of Great Choral Works.
How did you and Maestro Mazzola select the repertoire?
Choosing the repertoire was a collaborative process. I presented a list of possible selections to Maestro Mazzola, and he curated it further, ensuring we had the best blend of operatic and orchestral moments. Some pieces from our initial list didn’t make the final cut, while a few surprises were added in. The end result is a thrilling and varied program that showcases the depth and power of our orchestra and chorus.
Members of the Lyric Opera Chorus in a recent concert performance.
How has the chorus been preparing for this performance?
Rehearsals for A Wondrous Sound have been happening in between La bohème and The Listeners rehearsals, so there’s been a fascinating contrast in the music we’re working on. One moment, we’re deep in the intensity of The Listeners, and the next, we’re diving into Sondheim or Rodgers and Hammerstein. What’s been particularly exciting is that while many of these operatic choruses are familiar to our singers, some pieces — especially from the musical theater repertoire — are new to them. There isn’t a single person in the chorus who has performed all of these selections before, so everyone is getting to learn something fresh.
Maestro Enrique Mazzola joins Michael Black and members of the chorus for onstage remarks.
What makes Wondrous Sound a unique experience in Chicago’s arts scene?
There’s no other concert like this in Chicago. You won’t find another event that brings together a world-class opera orchestra and chorus to perform opera’s greatest hits alongside Broadway classics in one thrilling night. Unlike a traditional opera where the audience follows a complex narrative, A Wondrous Sound allows audiences to simply sit back and let the music wash over them. It’s a rare opportunity to hear the full force of the Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra outside of a staged production.
Experience the magic of A Wondrous Sound at the Lyric Opera House on April 16 and 19. Enjoy operatic and musical theater favorites, plus a few surprises. For tickets and details, visit https://www.lyricopera.org/WondrousSound
