Jenny and Claire Bartell have been coming to the Lyric since 2008. Jenny, also a trained singer, and her sister Claire have been subscribers since then. They go for the love of opera but also in honor of their late mother, Kathy, who was an opera singer, and who introduced them to opera. On occasion their entire family, including sister Emily, brother Corbin and their father Denis attend with them as well.
They share a favorite opera, Lucia di Lammermoor, and absolutely loved the recent production from the 2016/17 season. Jenny says, “The choice to create tableaux with certain scenes was very powerful.”
When asked about standout memories from productions, Jenny says, “Die Walkure, the Dexter-like Valkyries covered in blood and carrying bodies in tarps still gives me chills.” Claire says, “My favorite Lyric production was last season’s Rigoletto – the sets were wonderful, the chorus was perfect, as usual, and Quinn Kelsey was phenomenal! Last year’s production of Faust was also really unique and amazing!”
The girls say that they feel lucky to live in a city that has such prestigious musical offerings! “As our grandfather said, ‘The arts are for everyone. Support, enjoy’.”