Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 8 - Salome

17 | Lyric Opera of Chicago Jochanaan is heard again, railing against Herodias who furiously asks why Herod will not turn him over to the Temple Authorities in Jerusalem. The superstitious Herod, though himself not a Jew, prefers to keep him in captivity; he has heard rumors that this man may be the prophet Elias, returned to Earth. The Jews from Jerusalem are appalled by this suggestion and a noisy theological debate erupts between them, interrupted by Jochanaan’s voice proclaiming the coming of the ‘Savior’. Two guests from Nazareth interpret this to Herod. The Messiah, they say — to the amused disbelief of Herodias — has come and already is working miracles in the land, turning water to wine and raising the dead. Herod stops his ears to the prophet. He asks Salome to dance for him. Once again she declines, but he is determined and promises her whatever she desires as a reward. Salome makes him swear before the assembled guests, and despite the angry protestations of her mother, agrees. She dances before Herod. An enraptured Herod asks her to name her price. She demands to be given, on a silver dish, the head of Jochanaan. Horrified, Herod refuses, but Salome, to the delight of her mother, is adamant. In mounting panic, Herod offers Salome jewels and power, half of his kingdom, even the Veil of the Sanctuary of the Temple of Jerusalem itself. She denies him. Herod finally agrees and the Executioner, Naaman, is given the death-ring by Herodias herself. He descends into Jochanaan’s prison as Salome, frantic with impatience, listens above. Hearing something fall to the ground below, she fears the Executioner’s nerve has failed him and cries for help from the terrified Page and the soldiers. But she is wrong; the bloody head of Jochanaan is duly brought to her. Seizing it, she triumphantly sings to it. Jochanaan can no longer deny her the kiss she sought. As Herod climbs the stairs to his palace, Salome’s longing is fulfilled. Herod pauses on the stairs and commands her death. Sir David McVicar