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Thanks from the Picket Line
We were overwhelmed by the support we experienced on the picket line, from subscribers and patrons, members of our own union and other...
Melissa Trier Kirk, viola
Oct 27, 20182 min read
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Thank You from the Pit
Our return to the pit on October 17 for our first post-strike opera, La Boheme, was an emotional time for all of us. But we needn’t have...
Teresa Fream, violin
Oct 25, 20181 min read
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The Orchestra Strike Captured in Photos
Emmy Award-Winning Photojournalist Del Hall documented the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra strike with his hallmark stunning photography....
chicagolyricoperao
Oct 16, 20181 min read
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Please Come to the Opera
Dear friends, The Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra went back to work today, rehearsing the beautiful music we love to perform. We are...
chicagolyricoperao
Oct 15, 20181 min read
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Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra Ratifies Agreement
Today, the musicians of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra ratified the tentative agreement reached last evening with Lyric management....
chicagolyricoperao
Oct 15, 20182 min read
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Labor Rally for the Lyric Opera Orchestra
Yesterday afternoon the Chicago Federation of Musicians (AFM Local 10-208) hosted a Labor Rally for the Lyric Opera Orchestra at Daley...
chicagolyricoperao
Oct 13, 20182 min read
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Strike Day One Recap
At 10am on Tuesday, October 9, the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra members hit the streets for Day One of our strike. Lyric musicians on...
chicagolyricoperao
Oct 10, 20181 min read
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Why We're on Strike
Why are the Musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra on strike? Because a world-class opera company needs a world-class orchestra. That...
chicagolyricoperao
Oct 10, 20185 min read
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We are the Labor in Labor Day
Do you get told regularly how lucky you are to have the job you have? I do. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel fortunate…because anyone who...
Teresa Fream, violin
Sep 11, 20183 min read
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The Relevance of Opera: a chat with director Peter Sellars
After the curtain falls on Lyric Opera's season, orchestra members pursue other activities - some musical, some not. I spend my summers...
Melissa Trier Kirk, viola
Sep 9, 20182 min read
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Reaching Out
Cathy Dunn, Mike Cavalieri, and Bill Cernota perform at the Merion This summer, musicians from the orchestra and chorus of Lyric Opera of...
Ann Palen, Violin
Sep 7, 20181 min read
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Why I Love Opera in 10 Words or Less
This month, Assistant Principal Cello Paul Dwyer tells us how he feels about opera... Look for another musician testimonial next issue!
chicagolyricoperao
Sep 5, 20181 min read
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Pet of the Month: George Forman!
We added a golden retriever puppy to our household this July...meet George Forman! His favorite activities include eating gross things...
Mimi Tachouet
Sep 3, 20181 min read
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Familiarity Breeds... Expertise
“Without the singers there is no opera...You also have to have a great orchestra and great conductor…Here, we have the same pool of...
Teresa Fream, violin
Aug 5, 20182 min read
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Dallas Calling!
In late May I had another one of those "now we need you, now we don't " moments. On the Monday of the final week of Jesus Christ...
Linda Baker, Co-Assistant Principal/Bass Clarinet
Aug 1, 20182 min read
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"Operating" is a Specialty
Most if not all of us in the Lyric Opera Orchestra went to a music school or conservatory, learning to play in a variety of ensembles....
Terri Van Valkinburgh, Assistant Principal Viola
Jul 29, 20183 min read
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Did you know?
The WFMT broadcasts were also an initiative from the orchestra. They began in 1972, when Ardash Marderosian, Lyric’s Principal Trombone...
chicagolyricoperao
Jul 25, 20181 min read
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Pet of the Month: Ferguson!
Ferguson is a twelve-year-old Bichon Frisé. My girlfriend, Sara, got him as a puppy, and they’re virtually inseparable. Even though I’ve...
Jeremy Moeller, Principal Trombone
Jul 24, 20181 min read
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Make Music Chicago!
Brass quintet performing in the lobby of the Prudential Center: Bill Denton and Channing Philbrick, trumpets; Neil Kimel, horn; Jeremy...
chicagolyricoperao
Jul 23, 20181 min read
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Looking Back, with Gratitude
James Berkenstock was Principal Bassoon of the Lyric Opera Orchestra from 1968 until he retired in 2017. He served on the orchestra...
Melissa Trier Kirk, viola
Jul 22, 20183 min read
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