Lyric Opera 2018-2019 Issue 8 Elektra

L Y R I C O P E R A O F C H I C A G O February 2 - 22, 2019 | 17 Lawrence DelPilar, senior director, development, with Lyric Board of Directors member Sylvia Neil. of the company. “Each event, whether a gala or a master class by Renée Fleming, provides special access to the com- pany,” says Kate Later, senior direc- tor of special events and Women’s Board. ere are important occa- sions spearheaded by the company’s Women’s Board, including the Opening Night Opera Ball, the Spring Musical Gala, the triennial Wine Auction, and numerous stew- ardship events. For example, “at the musical gala, patrons dine in the box tier of the Lyric Opera House, which is a unique experience. After enjoying the performance, they dance onstage with the cast. at has happened at every musical since e Sound of Music in 2014. e exception was last season’s Jesus Christ Superstar : the gala wasn’t onstage – it was at e Murphy, and Jesus himself came to the after-party!” It’s not just the chance to mingle with artists that make these events so important. Many of Lyric’s most high-profile events are also successful fundraisers. “ e Wine Auction is one of our most significant fundraising events,” notes Later. “ is is the only event where patrons can eat dinner onstage. Our production team works their amaz- ing magic on the décor for the evening, so it is a true company- wide effort.” is year the Women’s Board is hosting a gala following the concert celebrating the 25th anni- versary of Renée Fleming’s Lyric debut. Tickets are available now, and Later declares, “you don’t want to miss your chance to celebrate Renée in an intimate setting on March 23!” Gift planning (which includes naming Lyric in estate plans, insurance policies, IRAs, or trusts) is exceptionally vital at Lyric. “We rely on planned gifts as an important element to be able to plan for the company’s future,” explains Jon Siner, senior director of gift DAN REST “You don’t want to miss your chance to celebrate Renée Fleming in an intimate setting on March 23!” — Kate Later Kate Later, senior director of special events and Women's Board, with Women's Board member Caroline Huebner. DAN REST