CONCERT
The biggest night
in Chicago music! Saturday, February 4, at 7:30pm PRINE JOHN JOHN
EXCITE CHICAGO HOME JAZZ GROWN UNIFY CHICAGO MATTHEW THE FOLK RENÉE JESSIE MUELLER PRIDE UNIQUE EVOKE POLENZANI CELEBRATE TALENT HANDSOME FLEMING BROADWAY ONE-NIGHT-ONLY FAMILY SONGWRITER GOSPEL STAR CLASSICAL MULTI-GENRE K U R T POWER MICHELLE
ELLING EXCITE SHEMEKIA COPELAND WILLIAMS TRIBUTE BLUES THE VOICES OF TRINITY MASS CHOIR VOCAL DOMINIC M. MERCIER/OPERA PHILADELPHIA DOMINIC M. MERCIER/OPERA
LYRIC PREMIERE CHARLIE PARKER’S
A CHAMBER OPERA
YARDBIRDStarring Lawrence Brownlee Music by Daniel Schnyder Libretto by Bridgette A. Wimberly
MARCH 24 7:30 PM New York City, 1955. As his body lies unclaimed in the morgue, saxophone great Charlie Parker returns in spirit to the jazz club Birdland, determined MARCH 26 2:00 PM to compose a final masterpiece. Family and friends blend in and out of his PERFORMED AT THE memories in an acclaimed new opera that tells of his tortured, brilliant life. HARRIS THEATER Performed in English with projected English texts
Join Grammy winner and WFMT Jazz Network Post-opera performance by members of host , along with opera expert Both pre- and post-opera Neil Tesser Jesse the Enjoy for a 30-minute pre-opera talk. Talks begin Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Gram the music of Charlie Parker performed live events FREE for all one hour before curtain time and explore the following the performance. ticket holders! operatic depiction of Charlie Parker’s life.
Charlie Parker’s Yardbird is made possible by Lead Sponsor Lauter McDougal Family Foundation and cosponsors the Eisen Family Foundation, The Ferguson-Yntema Family Charitable Trust, Joseph E. Glossberg Foundation, Eric and Deb Hirschfield, LYRICOPERA.ORG and Kenneth R. Norgan. 312.827.5600 lerner & loewe
A classic Broadway hit packed with love and laughter comes to Lyric in a lavish production!
April 28 - May 21 | Tickets from $29 | Special discounts for groups of 10 or more
Richard E. Grant The story of Eliza Doolittle, a young flower henry higgins seller with a Cockney accent, and Professor Distinguished film and television actor Henry Higgins, the phonetics expert who who has appeared in Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, and more teaches her to speak like a proper lady, will capture your heart with one enchanting tune after another: “On the Street Where You Lisa O’Hare Live,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “I’ve Grown eliza doolittle Accustomed to Her Face,” “I Could Have One of Britain’s most captivating Danced All Night,” and more! musical-theater leading ladies
LYRICOPERA.ORG 312.827.5600
MY FAIR LADY Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Music by Frederick Loewe Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play and Gabriel Pascal’s motion picture Pygmalion. Original Production directed by Moss Hart. Production created by the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, in co-production with the State Academic Mariinsky Theatre. Photos by Pip Seed, Lisa Keating Photography, and Marie-Noëlle Robert/Théâtre du Châtelet. Lyric Opera premiere generously made possible by The Negaunee Foundation, an Anonymous Donor, Mrs. Herbert A. Vance and Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance, The Jacob and Rosaline Cohn Foundation, Robert S. and Susan E. Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. J. Christopher Reyes, Liz Stiffel, and Northern Trust. Since 1991
www.performancemedia.us | 847-770-4620 3453 Commercial Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062 Gail McGrath Publisher & President Sheldon Levin Publisher & Director of Finance A. J. Levin Director of Operations Account Managers Rand Brichta - Arnie Hoffman - Greg Pigott
Executive Editor Southeast Michael Hedge 847-770-4643 Southwest Betsy Gugick & Associates 972-387-1347 Lisa Middleton East Coast Manzo Media Group 610-527-7047 Marketing and Sales Consultant David L. Strouse, Ltd. 847-835-5197 Editor Cathy Kiepura Graphic Designer Roger Pines Lory Richards Graphic Designer Associate Editor Joy Morawez - Josie Negron Accounting Magda Krance Willie Smith Supervisor Operations Earl Love Operations Administrative Offices: Wilfredo Silva Operations 20 North Wacker Drive Steve Dunn Web & Internet Development Suite 860 You can view this program on your mobile device at performancemedia.us. Chicago, Illinois 60606 For advertising information call 847-770-4620. To see our Terms and Conditions relating to advertising orders, visit our website at www.performancemedia.us. All contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reproduced in any manner without written permission. © 2017 Performance Media & Gail McGrath & Associates, Inc. is a Woman Owned Business
4 | FEBRUARY 4, 2017
LYRIC UNLIMITED
Board of Directors
The Honorable Bruce Rauner Life Directors W. James Farrell Kenneth R. Norgan The Honorable Rahm Emanuel Edgar Foster Daniels Mark E. Ferguson Sharon F. Oberlander Honorary Chairmen Richard J. Franke Michael W. Ferro, Jr. * John W. Oleniczak of the Board Edgar D. Jannotta Matthew A. Fisher Olufunmilayo I. Olopade, M.D. Edgar D. Jannotta George E. Johnson * Renée Fleming * David T. Ormesher Co-Chairman Emeritus Robert H. Malott * Sonia Florian * William A. Osborn Allan B. Muchin Co-Chairman Emeritus James J. O’Connor Mike Foley Matthew J. Parr David T. Ormesher Gordon Segal * Anthony Freud * Jane DiRenzo Pigott Chairman of the Board Robert E. Wood II Kristine R. Garrett Jose Luis Prado Lester Crown Ronald J. Gidwitz Don M. Randel Chairman of the Directors * Ruth Ann M. Gillis * Anne N. Reyes Executive Committee Katherine A. Abelson * Brent W. Gledhill J. Christopher Reyes Anthony Freud General Director, President * Whitney W. Addington, M.D. Ethel C. Gofen Thomas A. Reynolds III & CEO * James L. Alexander * Howard L. Gottlieb † William C. Richardson, Ph.D. Sir Andrew Davis John P. Amboian Melvin Gray Collin E. Roche Vice President Paul F. Anderson Maria C. Green Ricardo Rosenkranz Renée Fleming Larry A. Barden * Dietrich M. Gross Edward B. Rouse Vice President * Julie Baskes Mary Pat Hay Joseph O. Rubinelli, Jr. James L. Alexander James N. Bay, Jr. Carrie J. Hightman * Shirley Welsh Ryan Vice President Melvin R. Berlin Elliot E. Hirsch * E. Scott Santi Shirley Welsh Ryan Vice President Gilda R. Buchbinder Eric L. Hirschfield Claudia M. Saran William C. Vance Allan E. Bulley, III * J. Thomas Hurvis Rodd M. Schreiber Vice President John E. Butler Gregory K. Jones * Jana R. Schreuder Donna Van Eekeren * Marion A. Cameron † Stephen A. Kaplan Marsha Serlin Secretary * Paul J. Carbone Kip Kelley II * Brenda M. Shapiro Paul J. Carbone David W. Carpenter * Nancy W. Knowles * Eric S. Smith Treasurer Timothy L. Christen † Fred A. Krehbiel Sarah Billinghurst Solomon Mary Ladish Selander Assistant Secretary Richard W. Colburn * Josef Lakonishok Pam F. Szokol Michael P. Cole Roberta Lane † Robert W. Lane Franco Tedeschi Assistant Treasurer Vinay Couto * James W. Mabie Mark A. Thierer * John V. Crowe * Craig C. Martin Cherryl T. Thomas * Lester Crown Robert J. McCullen * William C. Vance Marsha Cruzan Blythe J. McGarvie * Donna Van Eekeren * Andrew Davis Andrew J. McKenna Mark Wagner † Gerald Dorros Frank B. Modruson Roberta L. Washlow Alexandra Dousmanis-Curtis Robert S. Morrison Miles D. White Ann M. Drake * Allan B. Muchin Dan Draper * Linda K. Myers William Mason Allan Drebin Jeffrey C. Neal General Director Emeritus John D. Edelman Amélie Négrier-Oyarzabal * Indicates member of the Stefan T. Edlis Sylvia Neil Executive Committee Lois Eisen † John D. Nichols † Indicates National Director
6 | FEBRUARY 4, 2017 LYRIC UNLIMITED
Women’s Board
† Mimi Mitchell Ms. Silvia Beltrametti Mrs. Susan B. Noyes President Margot Stone Bowen * Mrs. James J. O’Connor † Mrs. Christopher Murphy Suzette B. Bulley Mrs. William A. Osborn Vice President of Board Activities Marie Campbell Mrs. Jerry K. Pearlman † Marilynn Thoma Mamie Biggs Case Mrs. Frederick H. Prince Vice President of Education Mrs. Alger B. Chapman, Jr. Mrs. James C. Pritchard † Mrs. Matthew A. Fisher Elizabeth O’Connor Cole M.K. Pritzker Vice President of Fundraising Mrs. Gary C. Comer *†Mrs. J. Christopher Reyes † Betsy Bergman Rosenfield Mrs. Nancy Carrington Crown Mrs. Ronald A. Rolighed Vice President of Special Events * Mrs. Lester Crown Trisha Rooney * Mrs. Richard W. Durkes * Mrs. Patrick G. Ryan Mrs. Anne M. Edwards Mrs. James L. Sandner * Mrs. W. James Farrell † Mrs. E. Scott Santi Mrs. Michael Ferro † Nancy S. Searle Regan Rohde Friedmann Mrs. Alejandro Silva Mrs. Robert W. Galvin Mrs. John R. Siragusa Lili Gaubin Mrs. Lisbeth Stiffel Mrs. Ronald J. Gidwitz Mrs. James P. Stirling † Keith Kiley Goldstein * Mrs. Theodore D. Tieken Annemarie H. Gramm Mrs. Richard H. Wehman Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel Mrs. Robert G. Weiss Mrs. King Harris Hon. Corinne Wood Mrs. Julian W. Harvey Mrs. Patrick Wood-Prince Caroline T. Huebner Mrs. Philip E. Kelley Life Members † Rebecca Walker Knight Paula Hannaway Crown Mrs. Frederick A. Krehbiel * Mrs. A. Campbell de Frise Mrs. Richard H. Lenny * Jane Duboise Gargiulo Mrs. Arthur C. Martinez * Mrs. Paul W. Oliver, Jr. * Mrs. Richard P. Mayer Mrs. Jay A. Pritzker Florence D. McMillan Mrs. Gordon Segal Alison Wehman McNally Mrs. Susan H. Mesrobian * Former President Mrs. Christopher C. Milliken † Executive Committee Mrs. Robert S. Morrison
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 | 7 LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO Anthony Freud, OBE General Director, President & CEO The Women’s Board Endowed Chair
Sir Andrew Davis Renée Fleming Drew Landmesser Music Director Creative Consultant Deputy General Director John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols Endowed Chair
Roberta Lane Mary Ladish Selander Chief Financial Officer Director of Development
Cayenne Harris Elizabeth Landon Nicholas Ivor Martin Lyric Unlimited Director Director of Human Resources Director of Operations and Special Initiatives
Andreas Melinat Lisa Middleton Dan Novak Director of Artistic Planning Director of Marketing Director, Ryan Opera Center The Ryan Opera Center Board Endowed Chair
Will Raj Rich Regan Michael Smallwood Director of Information Technology General Manager, Presentations and Events Technical Director Allan and Elaine Muchin Endowed Chair
OFFICE OF THE GENERAL Rachel Peterson FINANCE LYRIC UNLIMITED DIRECTOR Administrative Coordinator – Roberta Lane Cayenne Harris Anthony Freud Planned and Individual Giving Chief Financial Officer Lyric Unlimited Director General Director, President & CEO Pavitra Ramachandran Aaron Andersen Mark Riggleman The Women’s Board Endowed Chair Coordinator of Institutional Deputy Director, Budgeting Director of Education Linda Nguyen Irvin Partnerships and Forecasting Chapters’ Endowed Chair for Education Manager, Office of Nancy Ko Alejandra Boyer the General Director Leslie B. Mastroianni Accounting Manager Director of Community Programs Deputy Director of Development Whitney Bercek Will Biby OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY Kate Later Controller Audience Education Manager GENERAL DIRECTOR Director of Women’s Board Teresa Hogan Todd Snead Drew Landmesser Chelsea Southwood Senior Staff Accountant School Engagement Manager Deputy General Director Associate Director – Women’s Board Leslie Horn Dana McGarr Sarah Generes Leah Bobbey Payroll Associate Lyric Unlimited Coordinator Producer of Classical Women’s Board Administrative Assistant Kirsten Alfredsen Drew Smith and Crossover Programming Deborah Hare Payroll Accounting Assistant Education Coordinator Assistant Director of Donor Services LeVora Martin Jacob Stanton ARTISTIC and Special Events Accounts Payable Coordinator Assistant to the Lyric Unlimited Director Andreas Melinat Allison K. Taylor Dan Seekman Director of Artistic Planning Administrative Coordinator – Staff Accountant MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Cory Lippiello Donor Services and Special Events Rafael Ramos Deputy Director of Artistic Planning Manager of Payroll and Human Lisa Middleton Evamaria Wieser Amy Tinucci Resource Information System Director of Marketing Casting Consultant Director of Systems, Reporting, Holly H. Gilson DEVELOPMENT and Donor Records HUMAN RESOURCES Ellen Barkenbush Elizabeth Landon Deputy Director of Communications Mary Ladish Selander Roger Pines Director of Development Director – Individual Giving Director of Human Resources and Chapters Tiffany Tuckett Dramaturg Zachary Vanderburg Magda Krance Assistant to the Director of Development Scott Podraza Talent Manager, Administrative Staff Associate Director of Annual Giving Stephanie Strong Manager of Media Relations Kate Bollier Andrew Cioffi Development Associate Michelle Neuffer Benefits Manager Manager of Donor Communications Anna VanDeKerchove Digital Content Producer Hanna Pristave Office Coordinator Kamaria Morris Lawrence DelPilar PR Specialist Deputy Director of Development Manager of Operations and Data Analytics INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Jonathan P. Siner Tracy Galligher Young Senior Director of Planned Giving Sarah Geocaris Will Raj Development Coordinator – Chapters Director of Information Technology Deputy Director of Marketing Lynn Bennett Jennifer Colgan Associate Director of Planned and Meghan Pioli Eric Hayes Development Coordinator IT Operations Manager Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing Major Giving Laura E. Burgos Kristin Atchison – Donor Stewardship Rita Parida Stephanie Lillie Database Administrator Manager of Audience Development Director of Major Gifts and Customer Experience Meaghan Stainback Senior Coordinator – Donor Records Nikoleta Aranassova and Reporting Systems Administrator Elizabeth Finch Associate Director of Individual Giving Lyric Unlimited Marketing Manager Daniel P. Moss Amanda Ramsey René Calvo Research Coordinator Associate Systems Administrator Joel Friend Director of Institutional Partnerships Group Sales Manager Jenny Seidelman Andrea Rubens Christina Bledsoe Development Coordinator Systems Analyst Jocelyn Park Associate Director of Creative Project Manager Corporate Partnerships – Guild Board and Young Professionals Miles Mabry Keyana Marshall Technology Support Coordinator Carrie Krol Sarah Kull Graphic Designer Associate Director of Foundation Donor Records and Reporting Assistant Nicole Sankowski and Government Partnerships Web Content Administrator
8 | FEBRUARY 4, 2017 LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO
Valerie Bromann John W. Coleman Chris Barker Michael Buerger Digital Marketing Specialist Chelsea Antrim Dennis Matt Reilly Joseph Collins Michael Musick Rachel A. Tobias Rigging/Automation Assistants Kevin Gac Web and E-Marketing Specialist Stage Managers Gordon Granger Robert Barros Sam Fain Joe Mathesius Shop Carpenter Group Sales Associate Kristen Barrett John Miulli Brian Grenda Lindsey Raker Jordan Braun Michael O’Donnell, Jr. Layout Carpenter Marketing Associate, Special Programs Donald Claxon Properties Drew Trusk Margaret Stoltz Rachel Henneberry Shop Welder Marketing Associate, Daniel Sokalski Brian Traynor Bruce Woodruff Advertising & Promotions Peggy Stenger Charge Artist Layout Welder Stefany Phillips Amy Thompson Tim Morrison Richard “Doc” Wren Marketing and Public Relations Bill Walters Michael Murtagh Warehouse Coordinator Coordinator Sandra Zamora Scenic Artists Amanda Reitenbach Assistant Stage Managers Dan DiBennardi Social Media Coordinator Ryan McGovern Scott Marr Ben Bell Bern Justin Hull Production Design Director Ticket Department Rehearsal Scheduler Assistant Carpenters Kristi Wood Susan Harrison Niemi Josie Campbell Costume Project Coordinator Artistic Services Coordinator Dan Donahue Deputy Director of Audience Services Maureen Reilly Marina Vecci Robert Hull, Jr. Alex Chatziapostolou (Demas) Costume Director Rehearsal Associate John Ingersol Sales Manager The Richard P. and Susan Kiphart Laura Waters Isabella Czyrnyj Ray Schmitz Carpenters Endowed Chair Customer Service and Call Center Jeremiah Smith Lucy Lindquist Manager Christine Wagner Wardrobe Mistress Kelly Cronin Rehearsal Assistants Chris Maravich VIP and Inventory Associate Lighting Director Bradley Baker John Renfroe PRESENTATIONS AND EVENTS Mary-Louis and James S. Aagaard Jessica Doan Tessitura Associate – Ticketing Rich Regan Endowed Chair Kate Keefe General Manager – Presentations Heather Sparling Cecylia Kinder Donna Babonas and Events Eric Watkins Krystina Lowe Justin Berkowitz Nora O’Malley Assistant Lighting Designers Kathy Rubel Facility Operations Manager Cassandra Dixon Michael C. Reynolds Tony Rubino Leigh Folta Sharon Lomasney Master Electrician Joanna Rzepka Presentations and Events Harrah Friedlander Soren Ersbak Marguerite Scott Manager and Producer Katie Galliart Board Operator Ewa Szylak Martin Hughes Leslie MacLean Barbara Szyllo Aleksa Kuzma Facilities Coordinator John Clarke, Jr. Maggie Zabieowski Steven Landsman Eleanor Sanchez Joseph Haack Wardrobe Staff Presentations and Events Coordinator Michael A. Manfrin Katelyn Lee Scott Barker Stephen Dunford Robert Reynolds Benjamin Liupaogo Kelly Davis Chief Engineer Assistant Electricians Sara Litchfield Kim Kostera Gregg Brody LaRob Payton Anthony Coia Anna Krysik Box Office Manager Karlos Piñero-Mercado Jason Combs Ed Mack Bernard McNeela Lindsey Raker Gary Grenda Wendy McCay Engineer William Roberts Thomas Hull John Salyers Briette Madrid Adam Stubitsch Daniel Kuh Isaac Turner Stage Door Supervisor Ivo Suarez Jeremy Thomas Chris Valente Nathan Tuttle Mary Kate Von Lehn Electricians Roger Weir Facilities Porter Tobias Wright Kevin Reynolds Dressers Ticket Staff TECHNICAL Surtitle Operator Michael Smallwood Sarah Hatten OPERATIONS Marlys Beider Wigmaster and Makeup Technical Director Joe Schofield Designer Endowed Chair Nicholas Ivor Martin Allan and Elaine Muchin Head Audio/Visual Technician Kathleen A. Evans Director of Operations and Special Initiatives Endowed Chair Nick Charlan Department Coordinator Stephanie Karr April Busch Matt Ebel Director of Music Administration Production Manager Audio/Visual Brittany Crinson Tabitha Boorsma Michael Schoenig Chantelle Marie Johnson Administrative Coordinator – Operations Technical Finance Manager Maria DeFabo Robert Kuper Wendy Skoczen Madeleine Borg Props and Scenic Art Director Lynn Koroulis Chief Librarian Production Manager – Lyric Charles Reilly Claire Moores Gretchen Eng Unlimited/Ryan Opera Center Staff Music Administration Coordinator Property Master Michael McPartlin Brook Carlson Scott Wolfson Production and Rehearsal Staff Properties Crew Head Lauren Cecil Assistant Technical Director Phil Marcotte Toywa Curington Cameron Arens Stephen Snyder Director of Rehearsal Administration Prop Carpenter Anelle Eorio Technical Coordinator Bob Ladd June Gearon Armorer Katrina Bachus Joe Dockweiler David Grant Daniel Ellis Rachel Boultinghouse Briette Madrid Master Carpenter Upholsterer Jodi Gage Mike Reilly Helen Marchfield Elise Sandell Head Flyman/Automation Thomas Coleman, Jr. Lauren Marchfield Nelson Posada David Toulson Jeffrey Streichhirsch Robert Hartge Assistant Directors Automation Assistant Richard Tyriver Jada Richardson Assistant Properties Anita Trojanowski Daria Wright Wig and Makeup Crew FEBRUARY 4, 2017 | 9 CONCERT
Musical direction by Doug Peck Also featuring The Voices of Trinity Mass Choir Chicago Voices Concert A celebration of vocal music and its place in Chicago’s rich cultural history
Ardis Krainik Theatre Saturday, February 4, 2017 7:30 p.m.
Artistic Director RENÉE FLEMING
Participating Artists: SHEMEKIA COPELAND JESSIE MUELLER KURT ELLING MATTHEW POLENZANI RENÉE FLEMING JOHN PRINE THE HANDSOME FAMILY MICHELLE WILLIAMS
THE VOICES OF TRINITY MASS CHOIR
Musicians: Doug Peck (piano), Buddy Fambro (guitar), Jake Saleh (bass), Neal Wehman (drums), Tito Carillo and Carey Deadman (trumpets), Andy Baker (trombone), Scott Burns (woodwinds), Heather Boehm and Dawn Gingrich (violins), Dominic Johnson (viola), Jocelyn Butler Shoulders (cello)
Musical Director and Conductor DOUG PECK Director BILLY BUNGEROTH Script Writer SHELLY GOLDSTEIN Lighting Designer TODD CLARK Sound Designer MARK GREY Scenic Designer TERRY McCLELLAN Scenery Fabricated by CHICAGO SCENIC STUDIOS Music Contractor HEATHER BOEHM Production Manager SHELLY KREVITT Stage Manager RACHEL A. TOBIAS Assistant Stage Managers KRISTEN BARRETT DONALD CLAXON
Honorary Advisors: LOUIS CARR/BET, SHEMEKIA COPELAND, KURT ELLING, HERBIE HANCOCK, JANE LYNCH, MATTHEW POLENZANI, JOHN PRINE
Tonight’s performance is being recorded by HMS Media for future broadcast on WTTW.
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 | 13 LYRIC UNLIMITED
Chicago Voices Gala Benefit Concert & After Party
CO-CHAIRS Scott and Nancy Santi Eric and Kim Smith
LEAD SPONSOR Liz Stiffel
SUPPORTING SPONSOR J. Thomas Hurvis
LEAD CORPORATE SPONSOR
DIAMOND RECORD SPONSORS The Jacob and Rosaline Cohn Foundation The Crown Family Brent and Katie Gledhill John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan
PLATINUM RECORD SPONSORS Rita & Herbert Z. Gold Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. J. Christopher Reyes
14 | FEBRUARY 4, 2017 LYRIC UNLIMITED
GOLD RECORD SPONSORS Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Cole Hal Coon Eisen Family Foundation The Eloise Susanna Gale Foundation in honor of Renée Fleming Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William A. Osborn Matt and Carrie Parr Carl and Marilynn Thoma Robert L. Turner in honor of Renée Fleming
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Huebner Lavin Family Foundation Annie and Gregory K. Jones and Family Mr. and Mrs. Todd D. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Lester Knight III Sylvia Neil and Daniel Fischel
Lyric Opera is grateful to all generous donors for their support of this special event. Listings include contributors whose gifts of $5,000 and above were received by January 11, 2017.
Chicago Voices Gala Benefit premium package dinner inspired by Chefs Karen and John Shields of Smyth & The Loyalist.
Chicago Voices is made possible by major support from: J. Thomas Hurvis
This project is partially supported by:
Eisen Family Foundation
This project is partially supported by an IncentOvate Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
Lyric Unlimited was launched with catalyst funding and receives major support from
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 | 15
PROFILES | LYRIC UNLIMITED
SHEMEKIA set his own lyrics to improvised solos of Wayne Their style is a blend of traditional country, COPELAND Shorter, Keith Jarrett, and Pat Metheny. He bluegrass, and broadside ballad. They are The renowned New York- often incorporates images and references from perhaps best known for the song “Far From born singer, now a Chicago writers such as Rilke, Rumi, Neruda, and Proust Any Road” from the album Singing Bones, resident, has a wide-open into his work. Elling has toured throughout which was used as the main title theme for vision of contemporary his career leading his own ensemble, and has the first season of HBO’s crime drama True blues, roots and soul collaborated with many major orchestras Detective. Their tenth album, Unseen, was music that showcases the worldwide. His latest project is the Grammy- released in 2016 as the first release on their evolution of a passionate artist with a modern nominated Upward Spiral (OKeh/Marsalis own label. Rennie, who writes the lyrics, and musical and lyrical approach. Having begun Music), a groundbreaking collaboration with Brett, who writes the music, have toured singing publicly as a child, at 16 she joined the Branford Marsalis Quartet. extensively throughout the world. Their songs her bluesman father on his tours and at 18 have been covered by artists including Jeff recorded her groundbreaking debut CD, Turn RENÉE FLEMING Tweedy, Amanda Palmer, and Andrew Bird, the Heat Up. She followed it with three albums The world-renowned who released an entire record of Handsome between 2000 and 2005, while earning eight American soprano has Family covers. The Handsome Family counts Blues Music Awards. She has performed at starred in nine operas on Ringo Starr and Bruce Springsteen as fans and clubs, festivals, and concert halls worldwide the Lyric stage since 1993- were recently featured on NPR’s “Fresh Air,” and has a strong presence in national print 94, most recently The as well as “WTF” with Marc Maron. and broadcast media. Copeland has toured Merry Widow (2015-16). with the Rolling Stones and has sung with Since 2010 Fleming has JESSIE MUELLER Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. been Lyric’s creative consultant, spearheading The Evanston native King, Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Carlos a wide variety of projects, including Chicago currently stars as Jenna Santana, James Cotton, and many others. Voices and the world premiere of Bel Canto. in composer-lyricist Sara She has also entertained U.S. troops in Iraq Recipient of the National Medal of Arts from Bareilles’s hit Broadway and Kuwait. At the 2011 Chicago Blues President Obama (2013) and known as the musical Waitress, for which Festival, the City of Chicago and the State “people’s diva,” she continues to grace the Mueller was nominated for of Illinois officially declared Copeland “The world’s greatest opera stages and concert halls, both a Tony Award and New Queen of The Blues.” In 2012 she now extending her reach to include other a Drama Desk Award. She received both of performed at the White House for President musical forms and media. In March of 2016, those awards, as well as a Grammy Award, for and Mrs. Obama. Copeland recently returned she was appointed artistic advisor-at-large for her starring role as Carole King/Beautiful – The to Alligator Records (where she recorded the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Carole King Musical. Other major Broadway four albums from 1998 through 2006) with Arts. The four-time Grammy winner brought credits include Nice Work If You Can Get It, Outskirts of Love, which earned Copeland her voice to a vast new audience in 2014 as the The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Drama Desk her third Grammy nomination and is the first classical artist to sing the National Anthem nomination), and her Broadway debut as most decidedly contemporary and musically at the Super Bowl. Among her recent successes Melinda/On a Clear Day You Can See Forever adventurous album of her still-evolving career. onstage are her Broadway debut in the comedy opposite Harry Connick, Jr. (Tony and Drama Living on Love and her return to a signature Desk nominations). She portrayed Carrie KURT ELLING role, the Marschallin/Der Rosenkavalier (Boston Pipperidge in the New York Philharmonic’s The Grammy winner, born Symphony Orchestra and Covent Garden, with staged concert production of Carousel at Lincoln in Chicago and raised in Metropolitan Opera reprises to come later this Center. Mueller began her career in Chicago, Rockford, is one of the season). Her newest recordings include, on CD, where she has appeared at the Goodman world’s foremost jazz Distant Light (works of Barber, Hillborg, and Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and vocalists. He has won Björk with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic) the Marriott Theatre (Lincolnshire), with roles every DownBeat Critics and, on DVD, Rusalka (Met) and Christmas in as varied in character as Lizzie Fields/Baby, Poll for the past 14 years, New York. Esther/Meet Me in St. Louis, Miss Adelaide/ has been named “Male Singer of the Year” Guys and Dolls, and Tzeitel/Fiddler on the Roof. by the Jazz Journalists Association on eight She received Jeff Awards in 2008 as Carrie occasions, and has been Grammy-nominated a Pipperidge and again in 2011 as Amalia Balash/ dozen times. His repertoire includes original She Loves Me. TheChicago Tribune named her compositions and modern interpretations of “Actor of the Year” in 2011, and four years standards, all of which are springboards for later she received Chicago’s prestigious Sarah improvisation, scatting, spoken word, and Siddons Society Award. poetry. Former artist-in-residence for the Singapore and Monterey jazz festivals, Elling has also written multi-disciplinary works for THE HANDSOME FAMILY the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the A songwriting duo formed in Chicago in City of Chicago. He is a renowned artist of 1993 consisting of husband and wife Brett vocalese (the writing and performing of words and Rennie Sparks, The Handsome Family is over recorded improvised jazz solos) and has currently based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 | 17 PROFILES | LYRIC UNLIMITED
MATTHEW musical heroes from Bruce Springsteen to Mac Choir, Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus, Imani POLENZANI Wiseman, and he has been name-checked in Ya Watume and Little Warriors for Christ The Evanston native songs by Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Youth Choirs, Walaika Children’s Choir, Praise and Ryan Opera Center Gill and contemporary country songbird Team, and Tribe of Judah Ensemble. These alumnus, one of today’s Kacey Musgraves. He is an Americana choirs are supported by musicians in four bands most admired tenors Music Honors & Awards winner for lifetime which include rhythm and keyboard music internationally, returned achievement in songwriting and was recently support. The choirs minister on a rotating to Lyric this season as awarded the prestigious PEN Lyrics Award. schedule and provide the ministry of music Tamino/The Magic Flute, a portrayal previously He continues to record for his own label, Oh during our weekly worship services, as well as heard at the Metropolitan Opera (DVD), Boy Records (which he co-founded in 1981), special worship services and events. The Voices Los Angeles Opera, and Munich’s Bavarian and to perform at sold-out shows all over the of Trinity Mass Choir is pleased to announce State Opera. Highlights of Polenzani’s U.S., Canada, and Europe. that on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, Trinity current season include his return to Munich UCC will release the combined choirs’ CD (Tamino) and the Met (title role/Idomeneo). MICHELLE WILLIAMS project, Stay Connected, a compilation of 26 He is a particular favorite at both companies, The Rockford native, who songs featuring music from various genres, with recent successes including La bohème, became a top pop music including traditional and contemporary gospel, La favorite, and Werther (Munich) and Don star as part of the iconic Afro-Caribbean, inspirational, and the African Giovanni, Roberto Devereux, and The Pearl group Destiny’s Child, is Diaspora. The single, “God Is Good” is available Fishers (Met). Polenzani has also earned great enjoying great successes on iTunes, Amazon, and all digital outlets. acclaim at Milan’s La Scala, London’s Royal as a solo artist. She sang Opera House, and the major houses of Vienna, gospel music for much of DOUG PECK Berlin, and Paris, among many others. Concert her early life and, after appearing as a backup (Musical Director and appearances this season reunite him with the singer for R&B artist Monica in 1999, she Conductor) New York Philharmonic (Handel’s Messiah) joined Destiny’s Child the following year, The Chicago-based con- and the MET Orchestra (Mahler’s Des Knaben winning numerous awards, including a ductor was most recently Wunderhorn). Among his recordings are recent Grammy for Survivor in 2002. Since her time at the Goodman Theatre releases of Brahms’s Liebeslieder Walzer and with Destiny’s Child, Williams has released as music director of three solo discs with pianist Julius Drake. several solo albums, beginning with Heart Wonderful Town, having Prominent among his many appearances on to Yours, the best-selling gospel release of previously music-directed, conducted, and DVD are Don Pasquale and Maria Stuarda 2002. That year, Billboard named her the provided additional orchestrations for The (Met), Don Giovanni (Salzburg), and La fifth Top Gospel Artist of the year and she Jungle Book, Candide, and Animal Crackers. traviata (Aix-en-Provence). Polenzani, received a MOBO Award for “Best Gospel He is also a co-creator of the Goodman’s new recipient of a 2017 Opera News Award, is a Act” while also garnering three Grammy musical-theater program. His work on Ride the past recipient of the Richard Tucker Award nominations. Subsequent albums include Do Cyclone has been heard Off-Broadway after a and the Metropolitan Opera’s Beverly Sills You Know (2004), Unexpected (2008), and sold-out run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Artist Award. Journey to Freedom (2014). Williams debuted he conducted Carousel at the Glimmerglass on Broadway in 2003 in the title role/Aida: Festival, and he is the musical director for JOHN PRINE The Musical (a role reprised last year at the Broadway legend André DeShields’ Confessions The Illinois native is among Muny in St. Louis). In addition, she has of a P.I.M.P. Peck’s work has also been heard the English language’s appeared in other stage productions as Shug in Chicago at the Ravinia Festival and Court, premier phrase-turners. Avery/The Color Purple and Sandra Isadore/ Writers, Porchlight, Timeline, Northlight, and Forty-five years into a Fela! (about the life of Nigerian musician Paramount theater companies. Regional credits remarkable career, Prine and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti). Williams include the Huntington, Shakespeare DC, is a Nashville Songwriters returned to Broadway in 2010 to star as Roxie Oregon Shakespeare, Wallis, Long Wharf, Hall of Fame member Hart/Chicago. and Asolo theater companies. Among Peck’s whose classic debut album, titled John Prine recordings are Bright Young People: The Songs of (1971), is recognized as part of the Recording Noël Coward and Loving Repeating: A Musical Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame. Prine’s of Gertrude Stein. For the Chicago Humanities songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Festival, Peck has presented Assassins and Follies Tom T. Hall, the Everly Brothers, Carly in concert, as well as A Night at the Oscars and Simon, Bette Midler, Norah Jones, George A Night at the Tonys, plus concert tributes to Strait, Miranda Lambert, and many other Prince, David Bowie, Josephine Baker, Eartha major artists. Among Prine’s most celebrated Kitt, Nina Simone, and Tina Turner. Peck is albums are Diamonds in the Rough (1972), the winner of six Jeff Awards and two After Bruised Orange (1978), Storm Windows (1986), THE VOICES OF Dark Awards. In Spite of Ourselves (1999), and two Grammy TRINITY MASS CHOIR Award winners for Best Contemporary Folk The Voices of Trinity Mass Choir, one of eight Album – The Missing Years (1991) and Fair choral groups at Trinity United Church of & Square (2005). Prine has collaborated with Christ, consists of members of the Sanctuary
18 | FEBRUARY 4, 2017 PROFILES | LYRIC UNLIMITED
BILLY BUNGEROTH Ono. She is the go-to writer for events that dance documentaries River North Rising, Every (Director) combine style, humor, and substance, having Dancer Has a Story, and Getting There. He Billy Bungeroth is a written for such organizations as Norman graduated from the North Carolina School of director and musician who Lear’s People for the American Way, The the Arts a long time ago. is proud to call Chicago Environmental Media Association, Princess his home. He is a resident Grace Awards, Producers Guild Awards, Red MARK GREY director and creative Dress Awards, NARAS MusicCares (tribute to (Sound Designer) director at The Second Paul Simon), WTTW-Chicago, and a billion- The sound designer’s City Theater in Chicago. His work has been dollar fundraiser for the Smithsonian’s Museum association with Lyric seen throughout the country, including The of African-American History. Goldstein’s Opera has encompassed Kennedy Center, Woolly Mammoth, La Jolla play, Coming Attractions, ran for two years at seven productions since Playhouse, and The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Body Politic and Theatre Building 2007-08, most recently Company. His work with Lyric Opera won and at Los Angeles’s CAST Theatre. She The King and ,I The Merry him a Joseph Jefferson Award for The Second wrote Museum of the Moving Image tributes Widow (both 2015-16), and Carousel (2014- City Guide to the Opera. As a musician he to Kevin Spacey, Alec Baldwin, and Julianne 15). Grey made history as the first sound has performed throughout the world, playing Moore, as well as Lifetime tributes to Dick designer of the New York Philharmonic Lollapalooza and at the request of the Chicago Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, Robert Redford, (2002) and the Metropolitan Opera (five Mayoral inauguration. He has had the honor of Aaron Sorkin, Elaine May, and Lily Tomlin. productions since 2015, most recently Iolanta/ directing and performing a diverse assortment The Chicago native is currently developing Bluebeard’s Castle). For more than two decades, of today's top entertainers from a wide variety Broad Comedy for StarStream TV, a show she professional sound design relationships have of disciplines. will host. led Grey to premiere works by such artists and organizations as John Adams, Steve SHELLY GOLDSTEIN TODD CLARK Reich, Philip Glass, Peter Eötvos, Terry Riley, (Script Writer) (Lighting Designer) Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers, and Shelly Goldstein has Todd Clark is a freelance many others. Productions include St. Matthew written for every genre of production manager and Passion (Berlin Philharmonic/Simon Rattle/ TV, film, and stage. She lighting designer for the Peter Sellars at the Park Avenue Armory, has written (or rewritten) corporate and theatrical New York, 2015). He designed and toured sitcoms, dramas, lyrics, industries. Recent projects extensively with Kronos Quartet for nearly documentaries, animation, include director of 15 years and is also a longtime collaborator of award shows, concert specials, jokes, and production for the Chicago Dancing Festival; composer John Adams. As a composer, Grey special material for such performers as Barbra stage manager for Chicago Ideas Week; and has recently undertaken commissions for the Streisand, Steve Martin, Jay Leno, Justin production design for the PBS television Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Los Timberlake, Hugh Jackman, Jane Lynch, specials First You Dream, The Music of Kander Angeles Philharmonic. His opera Frankenstein Mark Rufalo, Jane Fonda, Conan O’Brien, & Ebb, Under the Streetlamp – Let the Good premiered at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie Quincy Jones, L.L. Cool J, Chris Martin, Mike Times Roll, Rockin’ Round The Clock,and A (Brussels), on June 14, 2016. Nichols, Jeffrey Tambor, Sidney Poitier, Julia Christmas Carol, The Concert. He has won Louis-Dreyfus, Samuel L Jackson, and Yoko three Emmy Awards for lighting the PBS
EXPERIENCE CELEBRATING PLÁCIDO Mar 9 CHARLIE PARKER’S YARDBIRD Schnyder Mar 24 & 26 LAWRENCE BROWNLEE & ERIC OWENS IN RECITAL Apr 9 ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL Apr 23 LYRICOPERA.ORG | 312.827.5600 EXCITING CONCERTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 | 19
LYRIC UNLIMITED
The Windy City Sings:Tonight’s concert is just one exciting element of Lyric’s groundbreaking Chicago Voices initiative
By Kamaria Morris and Roger Pines
This is a multi-year program, celebrating the city’s diverse musical Lyric creative consultant Renée Fleming with students during a Chicago Voices “School Slam” event at the Chicago High School for culture and exploring the untold stories of Chicago communities. The the Arts. all-star, multi-genre concert is the culmination of several other signature elements preceding it: • Community Created Performances • Chicago Voices SING & Chicago Voices SING: School Slam • Chicago Voices TALK • Chicago Voices VIEW • Expert Panels and Master Classes
To round out the initiative and ensure its reach throughout the city, Chicago Voices is partnering with the Chicago Public Library, Chicago History Museum, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Columbia College Chicago. In Chicago Voices, says Fleming, “I believe that we’ve created something JACLYN SIMPSON JACLYN for everyone. I’m truly fascinated by the many voices that make Chicago the city that it is. Whether you are an opera singer or someone who just sings in the shower, singing is an important part of every culture. Singing is a part of Chicago is renowned for its diverse and influential musical life. what makes us human, and I believe it can help bring us together.” It’s the home of Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Community Created Performances became Chicago Voices’ Orchestra, but it’s also famous for house music and gospel, soul and jazz, first major venture – conceived from a desire to explore and expand each with an unmistakable “Chicago style” of its own. the traditional role of an opera company within a community. Groups It’s been the ideal city for Lyric’s creative consultant, Renée of Chicagoans were invited to share stories based on their unique Fleming, to explore musical genres and the human voice over the past six community perspectives. “Community Created Performances put years. In 2013, Fleming developed and hosted American Voices, a week- creative control into the hands of communities to tell their stories using long music festival for Washington’s Kennedy Center. From that project the building blocks of opera: storytelling through song,” says Anthony came Fleming’s desire to expand it, focusing the activities on Chicago Freud, Lyric’s general director, president & CEO. “It’s a tremendously under the auspices of Lyric Unlimited, Lyric’s education/community exciting idea that has cast a spotlight on the untold stories of Chicagoans engagement initiative. and the tremendous creativity that exists in our city.” PHOTOS: JACLYN SIMPSON
Memorable moments from the city-wide Chicago Voices SING initiative.
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 | 21 LYRIC UNLIMITED
The application process encouraged groups to define what SING also engaged Chicago area high school students utilizing the same community they were a part of and what story their group hoped to online process through the Chicago Voices SING: School Slam. tell. From the applicant groups, semifinalists were chosen, and video It was important for Chicago Voices to incorporate discussion profiles were created and posted online. The general public voted for the sessions to allow for an exchange of ideas between expert panels and stories they found most compelling (more than 16,000 votes were cast). the public. This has been made possible through a collaboration The three groups receiving the largest number of votes each undertook between Lyric Unlimited and the Chicago History Museum: Chicago a 16-week creative process to develop an original music theater work, with Voices TALK, a series of panel discussions and live performances the support of a Lyric-hired professional team and a $10,000 stipend. commemorating numerous pioneers who have contributed to Chicago’s In preparing each piece, the storytelling and performance elements gospel, classical and hip-hop music scene. The panels took place at the the community groups developed themselves, supported by an artistic Chicago History Museum on three evenings last month. team including animateurs (facilitators), scriptwriters, songwriters, Ayana Contreras, WBEZ contributor and host of Vocalo’s and directors. “Reclaimed Soul,” moderated the three panels featuring music experts, The finalists – Tellin’ Tales Theatre, the Kirin-Gornick Band, live performances from Chicago artists, and interactive audience Q&A and Harmony, Hope & Healing – turned their stories into fully- sessions. The museum also showcased rarely seen objects from its realized productions, presented to the public on September 24 in a free collection, and guests were encouraged to discover Chicago’s music performance at the Harris Theater. This January, Lyric put out the call for a history throughout the museum’s galleries. new group of applicant groups. Three new finalists will be selected to bring “Lyric Unlimited is thrilled to have partnered with the Chicago their communities’ stories to life in a second series of Community Created History Museum for this exciting component of the Chicago Voices Performances, which culminates in a performance this fall. initiative,” said Cayenne Harris, Lyric Unlimited director. “We hope
Highlights from “Stories and Songs of Chicago,” the evening of Community Created Performances presented at the Harris Theater. PHOTOS: TODD ROSENBERG
Chicago Voices SING highlighted the city’s vibrant music culture by these events drew people closer to the vocalists – past and present – who encouraging Chicagoans from all walks of life to record videos of themselves contributed to our musical legacy as a city.” singing all styles of music. Over the summer, a Chicago Voices team, The first TALK, “Mahalia Jackson & the Civil Rights Movement” along with a camera crew, visited iconic Chicago locations (for example: (Jan. 15), was created to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday Brookfield Zoo, Wrigley Field, and the Pride Parade) to capture everyday by revisiting gospel legend Mahalia Jackson and her contributions to the people singing their favorite songs or original music. These videos, along 1960s American civil rights movement. The great singer’s choir robe, a with others produced independently, were uploaded to the Chicago Voices letter addressed to her from Dr. King, and other rarely seen civil rights YouTube page and select entries were featured on the Chicago Voices artifacts from the Museum’s collection were on display for the evening. website. More than 200 videos were submitted, proving that the vocal Members of the renowned Trinity United Church of Christ gospel choir tapestry of the city is as diverse and unique as the residents who inhabit it. were invited to present a live performance.
22 | FEBRUARY 4, 2017 LYRIC UNLIMITED
“Chicago Women in Opera” (Jan. 24) revealed illuminating details regarding three trailblazers responsible for presenting internationally acclaimed opera in Chicago: famed operatic diva and Chicago Civic Opera “directa” Mary Garden, Lyric Opera of Chicago founder and general manager Carol Fox, and her longtime colleague and eventual successor, Ardis Krainik. This event included a performance by artists affiliated with Lyric’s Ryan Opera Center. “Hip-Hop: How the City Inspires the Sound” (Jan. 31) examined Chicago’s impact on hip-hop and how it influences today’s music. Panelists scheduled for this session included hip-hop activist Amina Norman-Hawkins. Crucial to Chicago Voices is the opportunity it presented to expose performers to the expertise of major artists through a program of expert OPERA ARCHIVES HERMAN MISHKIN/METROPOLITAN panels and master classes. The weekend of February 2-4 included a multi-day series of classes in conjunction with the concert, offered in partnership with Columbia College Chicago. Many of the vocalists featured in the concert were invited to take part in discussions, master classes, and demonstrations. February 2 began with a reception in which the concert’s musical director/conductor Doug Peck participated, along with acclaimed Artists associated with Chicago who are being celebrated by Chicago Voices range stylistically from opera diva Mary Garden to “King of Soul” Sam Chicago musical theater star, Donica Lynn. An action-packed day was Cooke and legendary bluesman Howlin’ Wolf. planned on February 3, with five separate events: • “Loud and Clear,” a session on media, self-promotion, and marketing for vocalists in the digital age; The exhibits, which ran concurrently, celebrated multi-genre • Master classes with three participants from the concert – Chicago vocalists, both historic and contemporary, with venues located Renée Fleming, Michelle Williams, and Jessie Mueller; respectively on the west, north and south sides of Chicago: the Homan • “The Healthy Voice in the 21st Century,” a session Square Community Center, Old Town School of Folk Music, and moderated by Renée Fleming. Ancien Cycles & Café. Some of the notable artists spotlighted in the exhibits were blues legends Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, “King of Throughout the day of the concert itself, exciting events were planned: Soul” Sam Cooke, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, beloved folk singer • A master class with jazz great Kurt Elling, another major Steve Goodman, and others. artist featured in the concert; With all of these programs, Lyric Unlimited has focused a bright • A session on modern protest songs, and how vocal music light on Chicago vocal music. Each component of Chicago Voices has can effect change; played a key role in revealing the excitement and the humanity of the • “Front and Center,” a session on how to acquire voice, Chicago style. performance experience as a vocalist in Chicago. ______Partners for Chicago Voices are Chicago Public Library, Chicago History Museum and Columbia College Chicago. The visual side came into play with Chicago Voices VIEW, three photography exhibits celebrating Chicago’s vocal heritage, presented Chicago Voices is made possible by major support from J. Thomas Hurvis and across the city from December 2 to February 4. Lyric Unlimited Parent Power Chicago, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. This project is partially supported byThe Chicago Community partnered with graduate students from the School of the Art Institute’s Trust, an IncentOvate Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Masters in Administration and Policy program to curate the original Affairs & Special Events, and the Eisen Family Foundation. exhibits, which paid homage to some of the most creative and powerful Chicago Voices Fest is made possible by support from J. Thomas Hurvis, Parent vocalists in America, all with direct ties to Chicago, by some of the Power Chicago, and Bank of America. nation’s most significant photographers. Lyric Unlimited was launched with major catalyst funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and receives major support from the Caerus Foundation, Inc.
FEBRUARY 4, 2017 | 23 LYRIC UNLIMITED
Anthony Freud, OBE Sir Andrew Davis Renée Fleming General Director Music Director Creative Consultant The Women’s Board Endowed Chair John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols Endowed Chair
Lyric Unlimited, a division of Lyric Opera LYRIC UNLIMITED Chicago Voices Gala of Chicago, offers a multifaceted program of BOARD COMMITTEE Sarah Generes education, community engagement and artistic Eric S. Smith, Chair Producer of Classical and Crossover Programming initiatives. The purpose of Lyric Unlimited Vinay Couto Jamie Ceaser is to provide a relevant cultural service to John D. Edelman Chicago Voices Producer communities throughout the Chicago area, Lois Eisen Madeleine Borg including communities for whom opera and Mark E. Ferguson Lyric Unlimited Production Manager opera companies have been largely irrelevant; Anthony Freud Shelly Krevitt to explore a wide range of ways in which Lyric Ethel C. Gofen Gala Production Manager can collaborate with cultural and community Mary Pat Hay organizations throughout the area; and to Eric L. Hirschfield Chicago Voices Fest advance the development of opera, exploring J. Thomas Hurvis Jamie Ceaser ways in which opera as an art form can Susan Kiphart Chicago Voices Producer resonate more powerfully, and in a range Sylvia Neil Dana McGarr Lyric Unlimited Coordinator of different ways, with people of multiple Funmi Olopade, M.D. backgrounds, ethnicities, and interests. Kenneth R. Norgan Master Classes and Expert Panels Anne N. Reyes Mark Riggleman Chicago Voices is a ground-breaking new Lyric Brenda Shapiro Director of Education Unlimited initiative celebrating the stories of Franco Tedeschi Dana McGarr Chicago’s communities and the diversity of Carlos Tortolero Lyric Unlimited Coordinator the city’s vocal traditions. Through Chicago Roberta Washlow Voices, Lyric will expand the traditional role Education Programming of an opera company within the cultural Mark Riggleman ecosystem of its city, engaging audiences Director of Education through participatory arts experiences and CHICAGO VOICES Todd Snead dynamic cross-genre programming. Renée Fleming School Engagement Manager Curator Cayenne Harris Chicago Voices Website Lyric Unlimited Director Wesley Rucks Chicago Voices Web Content Community Created Performances Coordinator Alejandra Boyer Director of Community Programs Chicago Voices Interns Kaitlin Very Courtney Cintron Chicago Voices Coordinator Margaret McNeal Kiela Nelson Sage Pope
Chicago Voices Partners
24 | FEBRUARY 4, 2017 TAKE A JOURNEY WITH LYRIC Don’t miss the final operas of the 2016/17 season NORMA Bellini Jan 28 – Feb 24 A gripping tale of love versus loyalty. CORY WEAVER/SAN FRANCISCO OPERA FRANCISCO WEAVER/SAN CORY
Bizet Feb 11 – Mar 25 Opera’s biggest blockbuster. LYNN LANE/HOUSTON GRAND OPERA LANE/HOUSTON LYNN Eugene Onegin Tchaikovsky Feb 26 – Mar 20 Unrequited love. Deadly consequences. Tchaikovsky’s glorious music. ROBERT KUSEL ROBERT
Create Your Own package of opera, musical, PLUS exciting special events still to come! and special event tickets — and save!
EXPERIENCE 312.827.5600 | LYRICOPERA.ORG