Amanda Majeski Stars in Season Opener at Lyric Opera of Chicago

September 26, 2015

Photo by Todd Rosenberg

““Amanda Majeski’s Countess Almaviva proved the high point of the evening. She inhabited her role in such a way that its essence was illuminated, transcending the ludicrous stage business thrust upon her. Majeski exuded a radiant humanity that strongly recalled the late Elisabeth Soederstroem – and what a Jenufa or Katya Kabanova Majeski may prove to be! Her account of the fiendishly difficult “Dove sono” was notable for poise and polish, luminously sung and launched with a grandly phrased, deeply felt recitative. In a still young career, Majeski has moved from strength to strength.” GB OPERA MAGAZINE”

Amanda Majeski returns to her home company, Lyric Opera of Chicago, as the Countess in their season-opening production of Le nozze di Figaro, a role that also served as her Met debut last season. Critics have praised her Countess as "transcendent," (Stage and Cinema) responsible for "some of the opera’s most moving moments and most exquisite singing." (Chicago Sun-Times)

The cast includes Luca Pisaroni as the Count, Adam Plachetka as Figaro, Rachel Frenkel as Cherubino, and Christiane Karg as Susanna. Conducted by Henrik Nánási, performances run through October 24, with tickets available on the Lyric's site.

Read reviews:

"Luca Pisaroni and Amanda Majeski are both fine Mozarteans... Majeski sings with her customary poise, her creamy soprano blending beautifully with that of German soprano Christiane Karg."
Chicago Tribune

"His adoring, long-suffering, elegant wife, Countess Almaviva is Illinois-born soprano Amanda Majeski. The Countess’ pain is dealt with comically early on as she gorges sweets on the gargantuan bed she once shared with her husband. But some of the opera’s most moving moments (and most exquisite singing) come when she recalls the joys of her earlier days of passion with the Count, and then, in a duet with Susanna, she dictates a love letter suggesting an assignation between Susanna and the Count."
Chicago Sun-Times

"Amanda Majeski sang “Porgi amor” with delicate but resonant pathos and fluid evenness across registers."
Chicago Classical Review

"Majeski’s soprano is both luminous and ringing, and in the heart-breaking aria “Dove sono,” she moved convincingly from aching despair to a firm resolve to recapture the Count’s affection."
Musical America

"From one of the evening’s first gestures – Amanda Majeski, stately as the Countess, pulling the curtain down instead of letting it rise – one knew that this production would play up the opera’s mischievousness no less than its spectacle. But the Versailles bordello aesthetic that runs through much of this production’s visual style didn’t come close to overshadowing the vocal talent, which is very strong. Majeski’s trilling vibrato is most distinctive..."
Bachtrack

"Pisaroni is well-matched by Amanda Majeski, whose noble heart redeems her wayward husband. Her tender and delicate singing approaches the transcendent, from the poignant solo aria “Porgi amor” to the breathtaking duet “Sull’aria” (with Christiane Karg)."
Stage and Cinema

"Amanda Majeski’s Countess Almaviva proved the high point of the evening. She inhabited her role in such a way that its essence was illuminated, transcending the ludicrous stage business thrust upon her. Majeski exuded a radiant humanity that strongly recalled the late Elisabeth Soederstroem (and what a Jenufa or Katya Kabanova Majeski may prove to be!). Her account of the fiendishly difficult “Dove sono” was notable for poise and polish, luminously sung and launched with a grandly phrased, deeply felt recitative. In a still young career, Majeski has moved from strength to strength, justifying Lyric Opera’s confidence in its former Ryan Opera Center member."
GB Opera Magazine