Florencia en el Amazonas in Chicago

Chicago Lyric Opera’s first Spanish-language work to be presented as part of the mainstage opera season is a story about a glamorous diva on a life-changing adventure on the Amazon, suffused by the entrancing allure of magical realism. Florencia Grimaldi, a renowned diva, played by Ana María Martínez, is engaged to perform at the opera house of Manaus, Brazil. Traveling there by boat, she’s consumed by longing for her long-lost lover, who she hopes will be awaiting her. Florencia and her fellow passengers are all intensely memorable characters (Gabriella Reyes as Rosalba, Mario Rojas as Arcadio, Deborah Nansteel as Paula, Levi Hernandez as Álvaro and Ethan Vincent as Riolobo), and they’re illuminated by the magnificent, sumptuous romantic music created by a true musical genius — Mexico’s finest opera composer, Daniel Catán. Jordan de Souza conducts the performances from November 13 to 28.