Chicago Philharmonic to Welcome Ryan Speedo Green in Orchestra Debut

The Chicago Philharmonic Society has announced it will welcome two-time Grammy Award winning bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green in a concert showcasing selections from opera and musical theater, one night only; Saturday, October 14 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Featuring repertoire from every era of opera and musical theater, Green will make his debut with the dynamic, musician-led orchestra under the baton of Chicago Philharmonic artistic director Scott Speck.  

Green has established himself as one of the great bass-baritones in a generation, praised for his rich tone and commanding stage presence. He has made solo appearances with the New York Philharmonic, the Opéra national de Paris, and the LA Philharmonic. Green won his second Grammy Award for the role of Uncle Paul in Terence Blanchard’s groundbreaking Fire Shut Up in My Bones at the Met Opera in 2021. He returns to the Met in April 2023 for his first leading role at the company- Emille Griffith, the real-life boxing star at the center of Terence Blanchard’s “opera in jazz” Champion. Although the part was originally written for a higher tessitura, Blanchard rewrote much of the music for Green’s voice. 

“With Speedo, it’s not just that he can produce big sound,” Blanchard says. “He has a way of expressing himself that’s compassionate, while still being powerful. I think the complexity in this role, what makes it hard, is that you have to be strong and powerful and still very vulnerable at the same time. That’s a hard thing for some people to pull off, but I know Speedo has the chops to do it.”

Working with major artists like Ryan Speedo Green has been Terell Johnson’s rule of thumb since he was appointed Chicago Philharmonic’s executive director in June 2021. 

“There are no small concerts for Chicago Philharmonic,” says Johnson. “Every event is a catalyst to move our organization forward, to reach new audiences, and to champion the most forward-thinking artists of our time. Ryan Speedo Green is truly one of the finest voices in a generation, and we are honored to present him this fall.”
Tickets for Chicago Philharmonic presents Ryan Speedo Green go on sale March 2, at 10:00am. Chicago Philharmonic e-newsletter subscribers receive exclusive presale access starting February 27. Learn more at chicagophil.org.