by Kile MacMillan

Like many other European musicians, fast-rising Italian conductor Michael Mariotti decided several years ago that he wanted to expand his European-centered career and take a stab at the vast American classical scene.

The 34-year-old maestro started at the top, making inaugural appearances at the Washington (D.C.) National Opera and Los Angeles Opera in 2009 and New York's Metropolitan Opera in 2012. On Feb. 1, he will make his debut at Lyric Opera of Chicago, conducting "The Barber of Seville."

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Source: http://www.suntimes.com/