Lyric Opera 2019-2020 Issue 2 The Barber of Seville

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 15 The Lyric Young Professionals at Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park with Lyric’s creative consultant, Renée Fleming. Dan Rest exposure to opera at Lyric and art forms at several other cultural organizations, as well as deep dives into storytelling, singing, acting, and movement with the guidance of professional teaching artists. The end result of this intensive eight-month program is an original theatrical work presented at a community venue. Though the program culminates in a performance, the goal is to honor the process more than the product, to encourage a proactive attitude in teens, empowering them to set life goals beyond music and performance, guiding them to create strategies to achieve those goals. Says one recent participant, “I’m more confident, I’m able to branch out more. Once you do EmpowerYouth!, they make sure you stay connected to what you do next. Up next, I start a six-month program at Harold Washington [College].” Above all, EmpowerYouth! enables students to find self-expression and explore identity in ways that might be impossible in their day-to-day lives. This program returns for its third year starting in October. Dan Rest Youth Opera Council members at Lyric. EmpowerYouth! brings out a wonderful enthusiasm and camaraderie in the participants. Kyle Flubacker BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL College students can join Lyric’s NEXT program, which offers discounted tickets ($20) to mainstage performances. NEXT nights often feature pre-performance receptions, where attendees can meet artists performing in the production. After graduation many NEXT members join Lyric Young Professionals, a growing group of 240 dynamic opera lovers between the ages of 21 and 45 dedicated to building the next generation of supporters for Lyric. LYP members can network with like-minded professionals, attend unique social events, and learn about opera. “This program gives you a guaranteed opera buddy,” says one member. “It’s an extracurricular for adults. It fits with whatever you have in your life.” By providing opportunities for everyone to explore opera, Lyric nourishes a growing community of audiences, budding performers, and passionate learners from all over the city. Accessible pricing, opportunities for learning, and exploration are top priorities for Lyric, supporting our commitment to attracting new audiences and igniting creativity across Chicago. College students who purchased tickets through Lyric’s NEXT program enjoy an evening at the Lyric Opera House. Todd Rosenberg