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A Rare Operatic Gem, Preserved for Generations
Chicago’s classical music lovers are fortunate to have access to an incredible variety of performances, ensembles, and artistic voices. At Cedille Records, we’re honored to play a unique role in this vibrant cultural ecosystem by giving local performances a broader platform through professional recordings.
At the end of June, one such performance will make history. The Haymarket Opera Company will present the American premiere of Artaserse, the final opera by early 18th-century composer Leonardo Vinci (1690–1730), in Jarvis Opera Hall at DePaul University. With its dazzling vocal writing and dramatic intrigue, Artaserse is a rediscovered treasure — celebrated in its day, including as a vehicle for the legendary Farinelli — and this production marks the first time audiences in the U.S. will see it staged.
Immediately following the live performances, Cedille will record Haymarket’s extraordinary cast, creating only the second full-length recording of this now rarely heard work. Scheduled for release in 2026, the album will serve not only as a beautiful listening experience, but also as a critical reference for musicians and companies worldwide to use in bringing Artaserse to their stages.
Haymarket Opera Company General Director Chase Hopkins says of the connection between performance and recording:
We are driven by the opportunity to present these operas in a full production for a live audience because they get to see the drama. But there is a whole other layer to this which is trying to find ways to provide accessibility to what we do. To be able to work with a record label like Cedille which has . . . such a big platform it is so exciting for Haymarket Opera Company ― to be stepping onto that platform and to share what we do.
Through your support of Cedille Records, you are part of something truly special. Your generosity allows us to elevate Chicago’s performances and ensure that important musical moments — such as this American premiere — resonate far beyond the concert hall or opera stage. Thank you for helping us bring Chicago’s rich musical life to the world.
Recommended
Cedille’s newest digital single, Mischa Zupko: Harpsichord Concerto is available to stream everywhere. Scored for harpsichord and string quartet, the concerto exhibits highly idiomatic harpsichord writing, brought brilliantly into the present by Zupko’s ingenious reshaping of older musical styles into a thoroughly modern expression.
From Chicago-based composter Stacy Garrop comes INVICTUS, Latin for “unconquered.” The work unfolds across four movements and an interlude, moving between lyrical introspection, fierce determination, and triumphant resolve, with Grammy-nominated pianist Marta Aznavoorian and the Chicago Philharmonic under the direction of Artistic Director Scott Speck. Available 5/8.
In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we repromote our playlist of Cedille recordings of music by (almost all) American composers based on American themes — people, places, events, etc. — and add a few recent tracks that fit the theme (and bring the total to 50).
Enjoy Cedille’s Weekly Featured Release.