
Time
Fri, March 12, 2027 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmPricing
$35 / Season Subscription $210
Location
They’re back.
After one of our most popular Rendezvous programs to date, Haymarket Opera Company returns for another unforgettable evening of music, drama, and Baroque extravagance.
Haymarket brings the operatic world of the 17th and 18th centuries vividly to life. The musicians perform on period instruments and embrace the theatrical traditions of the time. The result is anything but distant or delicate.
This music is passionate. Funny. Dramatic. Virtuosic. And completely alive.
For this Rendezvous program, soprano Emily Birsan and tenor (TBA) take center stage. They’re joined by Jeri-Lou Zike and Martin Davids on violin, Craig Trompeter on cello, and Brandon Acker on theorbo.
Haymarket has earned national acclaim from The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Musical America. Audiences far beyond Chicago have also embraced the ensemble and its thrilling approach to period performance.
But you don’t need to know anything about Baroque opera to love this evening.
Come hear extraordinary singers and remarkable instruments up close. Experience music that has captivated audiences for centuries, performed just a few feet away.
Old music. Incredible musicians. Absolutely nothing old-fashioned about it.
Featured Visual Artist: Max LiOur featured visual artist for this program is Max Li, an interdisciplinary artist from China now based in Chicago.
Working across photography, tintype, installation, object-making, and digital media, Max explores how meaning is shaped through memory, ritual, place, and lived experience. His work often unfolds over time, inviting viewers to notice how repetition, participation, and everyday encounters can transform the way we see an object or space.
Max holds an MFA from the University of Chicago and a BFA with Honors from the University of California, Irvine. Beyond his studio practice, he develops cultural programs and collaborative projects throughout Chicago, including work that activates civic and sacred spaces through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community gatherings.
Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.
At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.
Gorton offers financial assistance and flexible payment options to individuals who may be unable to afford standard program fees. This support ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate in meaningful learning and cultural enrichment experiences. Applications are reviewed based on demonstrated financial need.
Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.
There is no refund given for unused film or event tickets.

Laura Demmer, Director of Development
Ann Kiesling, Development Associate
847-234-6060
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