Janai Brugger (Ilia) and Angela Brower (Idamante) in Lyric's Idomeneo (Photo: Kyle Flubacker)
Idomeneo may not be Mozart's best-known opera, but the case could be made that the early-career opus features some of his best music, whether Elettra's anguished "D'Oreste d'Ajace," or the title character's faintly hopeful "Torna la pace al core." The opera, which premiered in 1781, is set during the Trojan war and tells the star-crossed love story of Prince Idamante and Princess Ilia, who was captured by Idamante's father, King Idomeneo.
In an exclusive backstage performance at Lyric Opera House, WFMT hosted a Facebook live with two of the starring performers of Lyric's new-to-Chicago presentation of Idomeneo: mezzo-soprano Angela Brower (Idamante) and Chicago-born soprano Janai Brugger (Ilia). Enjoy their heartfelt performance as we are treated to three pieces from the opera.
Lyric Opera of Chicago's presentation of Mozart's Idomeneo runs through November 2, 2018 and stars Matthew Polenzani in the title role, with Janai Brugger (Ilia), Angela Brower (Idamante), and Erin Wall (Elettra) costarring. Sir Andrew Davis conducts. For ticketing and information, visit lyricopera.org.
