Right around the time Janai Brugger started first grade, her mother was taking her to performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
That likely played a big part in inspiring Brugger to pursue a music career. But something else helped, too: The fact that she has a gorgeous voice.
In 2012 Brugger won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and has performed on that famed stage several times since. Only now is the native of Darien, Illinois, making her debut on her hometown stage in the role of Liu in Puccini’s “Turandot.”
Brugger also makes her long-awaited debut on “Chicago Tonight.”
Video: Janai Brugger sings “Summertime” by George Gershwin.
Related stories:
Tenor Stefano La Colla Makes American Debut in Lyric’s ‘Turandot’
Dec. 13: The up-and-coming Italian tenor is already being compared to the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. Stefano La Colla joins us in conversation and performance.
Lyric Opera and Joffrey Ballet to Join Forces Under One Roof
Sept. 28: What brought about the new business arrangement of two of Chicago’s most prominent cultural institutions? We speak with two of the driving forces behind each company.
Anne-Sophie Mutter, Grammy-Winning Violinist, Returns to Chicago
Sept. 21: The world-renowned violinist joins us in conversation and performance.
