Omar at Lyric Opera of Chicago

The Pulitzer Prize-winning opera by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels receives its company premiere at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Inspired by the memoir of West African Islamic scholar Omar ibn Said, the opera tells a story of survival, faith, and identity, blending hymns, spirituals, gospel, and bluegrass with African percussion instruments. Tenor Issachah Savage stars in the title role alongside Kearstin Piper Brown, Zoie Reams, Kyle Ketelsen, and Briana Hunter. Kazem Abdullah conducts the Lyric Opera Orchestra, with direction by Kaneza Schaal in her company debut.