Iestyn Davies to Debut at Lyric, 2/29

British countertenor Iestyn Davies makes his Lyric Opera debut in Chicago on February 29 in a new production of Handel's Rinaldo. The Baroque master's depiction of the First Crusade will be conducted by Harry Bicket and directed by Francisco Negrin. Davies, a rising star on the international music scene, and "One of the most glorious countertenor voices in the world today" (Independent, UK), sings the role of Eustazio.

While in Chicago, Davies headlines three concerts, singing Handel with the Baroque Band under the direction of Harry Bicket. The concerts, on March 9, 10, and 14, are each at different venues. The Handel arias include "O Lord Whose Mercies," "Their Land Brought Forth Frogs," "Up the Dreadful Steep Ascending," and "Sento amor" from Partenope.

Davies' resplendent fall 2011 season saw the release of his most recent recording, Porpora Cantatas – a solo album on the Hyperion label that was already a sensation in Europe when it was released in the States,