Ailyn’s first concert appearance in her hometown of Chicago since winning the Richard Tucker Award in April sees her join the renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia’s intimate Martin Theater for two concert performances of Mozart’s operatic gem Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) on August 16 and 18. Pérez portrays Pamina, the abducted princess who longs for love and finds it in the handsome prince Tamino, sung by tenor René Barbera. Nathan Gunn, Erika Miklosa, and Morris Robinson round out the cast, which is led by Ravinia Festival, Cincinnati May Festival, and LA Opera music director James Conlon. Reserved seats are already sold out, but lawn seats are still available. More information about the performance, and a link to buy lawn tickets, can be found here.
Ailyn also fulfilled one of her childhood dreams as a Chicagoan – singing the national anthem for her beloved Chicago White Sox. The soprano joined the team for their August 6 home game against the Kansas City Royals, which ended in a 4 – 2 White Sox victory!