Canadian bass-baritone Gordon Bintner takes us to Chicago, where he is singing Count Almaviva in Lyric Opera of Chicago‘s production of The Marriage of Figaro (info and tickets here).
Gordon is a rising star in the international opera scene. This season you can find him performing with the Royal Ballet and Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Opera Australia, The Cleveland Orchestra and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He is a graduate of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio and was member of Oper Frankfurt’s ensemble for six seasons.
While in Chicago, Gordon shares the best place to grab brunch, his museum recommendations and his plans to see his first NHL game. How Canadian! Read on to find out more.
City where you’re working?
Chicago.
How long are you working on contract?
2 months.
What’s the opera house like?
Wonderful! The staff are all very friendly, and have been so welcoming. The theatre is gorgeous, and it’s an honour to be making my debut at such a storied establishment.
Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
My pick would be a beach along Lake Michigan (weather permitting).
Best coffee or tea?
There’s a lovely coffee shop in the Civic Opera Building, called Espresso and Milk. It has kept us all fuelled up these past weeks, and the coffee is quite fine, indeed.
Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
Avec River North. Brunch, lunch, dinner. Can’t go wrong! Gorgeous.
An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
My parents will be in town for opening, and we’ve made plans to go see a Blackhawks game. Fun fact, I’ve never been to an NHL game (I know, am I even Canadian?!). It will be fun to cheer on our compatriot, Mr. Bedard!
How did you find accommodation?
Airbnb. Can be tricky, but this particular listing was very well reviewed, even by a former colleague of mine, so I felt confident.
What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
Proximity to the theatre, gym nearby or in building, clean/air quality. With the fam in mind, a safe neighbourhood with good parks and playgrounds nearby!
Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
I haven’t yet (it’s been a busy few weeks), though last time we were in town we went to the Art Institute of Chicago, and it impacted me quite profoundly. I will certainly carve out some time between performances to rediscover some of my favourites.
Is there anything else you’d recommend?
Chicago River Architecture Tour is a must. Best way to see the city, and learn about the design and history behind some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings.
© Gordon Bintner
Outside of the Civic Opera Building
© Gordon Bintner
On stage
© Gordon Bintner
In costume as Count Almaviva
The Marriage of Figaro
Lyric Opera of Chicago
November 9-30
FIGARO: Peter Kellner
SUSANNA: Ying Fang
COUNTESS ALMAVIVA:
Federica Lombardi
COUNT ALMAVIVA: Gordon Bintner
CHERUBINO: Kayleigh Decker
MARCELLINA: Sarah Mesko
DON BASILIO: Brenton Ryan
DR.BARTOLO: Nicholas Newton
BARBARINA: Gemma Nha
ANTONIO: Matt Boehler
DON CURZIO: Daniel Espinal
PEASANT GIRL: Emily Richter
PEASANT GIRL: Lucy Baker
CONDUCTOR: Erina Yashima
DIRECTOR: Barbara Gaines
SET DESIGNER: James Noone
COSTUME DESIGNER: Susan Mickey
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Robert Wierzel
CHORUS DIRECTOR: Michael Black
CHOREOGRAPHER:
Harrison McEldowney
Join Lyric Opera of Chicago for Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, an intimate study of human relationships and one of the greatest operas ever written. In the setting of Count Almaviva’s castle, his servants, Figaro and Susanna, conspire to get the better of their willful employer, joined by his long-suffering wife, the Countess. Also on hand is opera’s most lovable pageboy, Cherubino. Intrigues abound in this matchless work by Mozart and librettist Lorenzo da Ponte that has enriched lives and spirits for generations.
Returning to direct her exhilarating Lyric production is Chicago theatrical legend Barbara Gaines. She’ll collaborate with the electrifying young German conductor Erina Yashima in her Lyric debut, leading a cast of internationally celebrated Mozartians.
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Máiri Demings is Opera Canada’s digital content specialist. She’s also a mezzo-soprano who has sung with Tapestry Opera, performs regularly with VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert and Toronto Operetta Theatre, and is one half of duo mezzopiano with pianist Zain Solinski.
