Lyric Opera 2018-2019 Issue 11 Ariodante

EDWARD MOUT Staatstheater Hannover Die Gezeichneten SUSANNA PHILLIPS The Metropolitan Opera Don Giovanni Alumni Perform at Lyric — and Around the World — in 2018/19 The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago is recognized as one of the premier professional artist-development programs in the world. To make a gift in support of the Ryan Opera Center’s efforts, or for more information, please visit lyricopera.org/ryanoperacenter, or call Meaghan Stainback at 312.827.5691. ANTHONY CLARK EVANS Dallas Opera La bohème PATRICK GUETTI (Fafner/ Siegfried , 2018/19; pictured as the Mandarin/ Turandot , 2017/18) When you ask anyone to name the great artist-development programs in the world, undoubtedly the Ryan Opera Center makes that very short list. Being invited to join a program of this caliber is a hugely exciting opportunity. The stakes are high and so are the expectations! When you’re making your debut and your mustache accidentally falls off — what do you do? When you’re at home, understudying, and the phone rings with the message, “Come to the theater, you’re going on” — how do you handle that? My Ryan Opera Center experience helped me tremendously in developing the self-knowledge and confidence needed to deal with such situations and so many other variables. In addition to receiving exceptional training, I was inspired to cultivate my artistry by watching up close as countless great artists tackled challenging roles. I will forever be grateful for the time and stability the Ryan Opera Center provided me. It’s astounding to have the support of a world-class opera company: a family of friends, teachers, colleagues, the best Board members on earth, the sponsors and donors — all of whom who give so generously and selflessly to allow me and the rest of the Ensemble to pursue our goals and dreams every day.