Lyric Opera names Martin Wright new chorus master
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has chosen Martin Wright as its new chorus master, effective with the 2012-2013 season.
“After several years of great experiences in Europe, I am excited to return to the U.S. in 2012 as chorus master for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, a company I have long admired,” said Wright, 55, in a statement released Thursday by the Lyric.
The Idaho native has served as artistic director of the chorus of The Netherlands Opera since 2006. From 1993 through 2002, he was chief conductor of the Netherlands Radio Choir, and he continues as a guest conductor for several productions annually. Prior to that he served as principal guest conductor of Lyric Opera San Diego (2000-2006), music director of the San Diego Master Chorale (2002-06) and as chorus master of San Diego Opera (1984-97)
Due to his ongoing commitment with his current post at Netherlands Opera, Wright will not be able to take up the Lyric post until the summer of 2012.
The Lyric also announced that Michael Black will serve as interim chorus director for the 2011-2012 season. Black will take a leave of absence from his post as chorus master of Opera Australia and start at the Lyric August 1.
Wright is replacing Donald Nally, who served as Lyric’s chorus master since May 2007.
“We are delighted that, beginning in 2012, the Lyric Opera Chorus will be benefiting from Martin Wright’s highly impressive background and international experience,” said general director William Mason in a statement released by the company.
“We are also confident that Michael Black will do an excellent job leading the chorus in the coming season. We know that both will maintain the high standards that we’ve enjoyed from our chorus for decades, and are looking forward to working with each of them.”
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5 Responses to “Lyric Opera names Martin Wright new chorus master”
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Posted Mar 25, 2011 at 12:21 pm by Lisa Drew
Congratulations on hiring Mr. Wright! I have the extreme pleasure of working with him from 1984-1991 in San Diego. He is fantastic.
Posted Mar 25, 2011 at 2:30 pm by Jennifer Wallace
Martin prepped a few shows at LA Opera and has always been one of my favorites. Congratulations!!
Posted Mar 27, 2011 at 1:29 pm by Jim Greiner
Martin Wright is absolutely fabulous as a director, singer, and human being! Great that he’ll be back in the USA.
Posted Mar 27, 2011 at 7:04 pm by George Katz
In addition to his superb attributes as a choral director, Martin is a remarkably gifted pianist and collaborative musician. It would not surprise me to witness Chicago’s finest singers vying for his support as accompanist.
Posted Mar 04, 2017 at 12:01 pm by Elizabeth Respess
Sang under Martin at LaJolla Presbyterian Church in the nineties. Where is he now? Liz