Led by music director Sir Emanuele Andrizzi with stage direction by Sasha Gerritson, Opera Festival of Chicago triumphed in its July 2025 production of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. The company has been committed to showcasing elite Chicago-based artists, drawing heavily on local talent for a robust chorus and supporting roles. As Silvio, baritone Jonathan Wilson, who regularly stars in Chicago’s storefront opera scene and sings with the city’s professional choruses, was on par with the three other outstanding principals: soprano Michelle Allie Drever as Nedda, baritone (and the company’s artistic director) Franco Pomponi as Tonio, and tenor Jonathan Burton as Canio.
ENSEMBLE: Opera Festival of Chicago Orchestra & Chorus
CONDUCTOR: Emanuele Andrizzi
CAST
Nedda: Michelle Allie Drever
Canio: Jonathan Burton
Tonio: Franco Pomponi
Peppe: Jerek Fernández
Silvio: Jonathan Wilson