Christine Lyons
SOPRANO
Operatic Career
Ms. Lyons, acclaimed for her bel canto opera heroines, has received praise as a "true virtuosa" (Broadway World), a "revelation" (Gay City News), and has been lauded for her "impressive emotional range, embodied by her soaring soprano" (Maryland Theater Guide). This season, Lyons returns to San Francisco Opera as Leonora cover in Verdi's Il Trovatore, sings excerpts from Bellini's La Straniera and Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia at the Maria Callas Centenary Celebration in New York with Teatro Nuovo, and debuts in the title role of Puccini's Tosca with Maryland Opera.
Last season, she joined San Francisco Opera as Cleopatra cover in the world premiere of John Adams' Antony and Cleopatra, starred in the title role of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor with Maryland Opera, sung Norina in Don Pasquale in St. Louis, performed Liú in Turandot with Toledo Opera, and delivered a thrilling performance in the title role of Handel's Agrippina with Florida Grand Opera.
Her favorite bel canto roles in recent years include Bellini’s La Straniera at Lincoln Center, Bellini’s Norma in St. Louis, Bellini's Giulietta in I Capuleti e i Montecchi in Virginia, as well as Donizetti's Adina in L’Elisir d’amore and Rossini's Amenaide in Tancredi in New York.
2023-24 Calendar
UPCOMING SEASON ENGAGEMENTS
Il Trovatore - Verdi
Lyons is thrilled to take on the role of Verdi's tragic heroine, Leonora, as the cover soprano in San Francisco Opera's highly anticipated 2023 season opener. Performances are in September and October, promising an unforgettable operatic experience of Sir David McVicar's iconic Metropolitan Opera production. Music Director Eun Sun Kim conducts.
Maria Callas Celebration
Performing from Bellini's La Straniera and Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia, Lyons honors Maria Callas in a concert of bel canto this December with Teatro Nuovo in New York.
Tosca - Puccini
Lyons will bring Puccini's brave Tosca to life in Maryland Opera's production in April 24'.
Recent Engagements
Antony & Cleopatra - Adams
Lyons was thrilled to be a part of the electrifying world premiere of John Adams' Antony and Cleopatra, where she covered the iconic title role of Cleopatra in San Francisco Opera's 2022 season opener. The performances were conducted by Music Director Eun Sun Kim.
Don Pasquale - Donizetti
In her uproarious portrayal of Norina in Don Pasquale, Lyons delighted audiences in the heart of St. Louis.
Agrippina - Handel
Lyons embraced the role of Handel's iconic empress, Agrippina, with Florida Grand Opera, and her performances garnered widespread acclaim from critics. One noted, "American soprano Christine Lyons shone in the opera's title role as the mother who will do anything to win the throne for her son." Her ability to "caress soft tones" and "spin eloquent, curving vocal lines with skill" was lauded, and she was commended for bringing "a regal bearing and opulent timbre to Handel’s showpiece solos."
Turn of the Screw - Britten
Lyons showcased her remarkable acting prowess as the Governess, masterfully portraying the character's eagerness and haunting experiences in Britten's Turn of the Screw in Miami. Her ability to convey complex emotions and captivate the audience with a nuanced performance truly set her apart, one critic noting 'The beautiful Christine Lyons composed an intense Governess.' Her work in contemporary repertoire adds a dynamic dimension to her already impressive portfolio, establishing her as a sought-after performer in both traditional and contemporary musical landscapes.
Lucia di Lammermoor - Donizetti
Lyons delivered a haunting portrayal and the mesmerizing 'mad scene' of the tragic heroine Lucia at Maryland Opera. An unforgettable evening filled with bel canto emotion.