Lyric Opera 2019-2020 Issue 8 Madama Butterfly

RANDY L. AND MELVIN R. BERLIN Devoted fans of opera education and the arts, Randy and the late Melvin Berlin are beloved members of the Lyric family. “It’s part of Chicago for us. It enriches the city and the community, and we like to be part of that,” said the late Mr. Berlin. The Berlins have contributed significantly to the Annual Campaign and made a leadership gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign. Together they have generously cosponsored many productions including last season’s West Side Story and this season’s Madama Butterfly and 42nd Street. BMO HARRIS BANK At BMO, our purpose is to "Boldly Grow the Good, in business and life" by driving positive change for our customers, employees and the communities we serve. BMO is proud to support Lyric through various special projects and joined the production sponsorship family last season supporting La traviata. BMO is supporting Lyric’s chamber opera Blue this season. Lyric is honored to have Richard “Rick” Pomeroy, Senior Managing Director, BMO Family Office, serve on its Board of Directors and Investment Committee. “Opera is truly an inspiration. It affects how we see and interpret the world around us, and it’s our hope that the support we provide Lyric will help increase exposure to such a beautiful form of artistic expression.” MR. AND MRS. EDWARD O. BOSHELL, JR. Lyric is honored to have the generous support of Ned and Raynette Boshell. As dedicated subscribers and donors, the impact of their philanthropy has been felt at Lyric for over 25 years. In 2014, Ned and Raynette’s passion for opera and education inspired them to create a significant endowment fund for Lyric’s newly innovated pre-opera talks. A vital part of Lyric’s season programming, pre-opera talks illuminate, educate, and inspire thousands of audience members each season, bringing greater understanding and enjoyment of Lyric’s world-class productions. Through their meaningful contributions to this endowment Ned and Raynette ensure that these engaging talks will continue to enlighten Lyric audiences for generations to come. HENRY M. AND GILDA R. BUCHBINDER FAMILY Dedicated lovers of the arts, Henry and Gilda Buchbinder are longstanding members of the Lyric family. Committed to sustaining the exceptional quality of Lyric’s artistic product, the Buchbinders made a leadership gift to Lyric’s Breaking New Ground Campaign to name the Henry and Gilda Buchbinder Family Foundation Rehearsal Room. They have also been longtime generous donors to the Annual Campaign, and are members of the production sponsorship family, cosponsoring this season’s production of Luisa Miller. “I really do believe that Lyric is the best opera company in the world,” is Gilda’s heartfelt assessment, to which Hank adds, “the productions are done so well, and stage sets are marvelous.” Lyric is honored to have Gilda Buchbinder serve on its Board of Directors and the Production Sponsorship Committee. BULLEY & ANDREWS Founded 1891, Bulley & Andrews is one of the Midwest’s most trusted and accomplished construction companies. The fourth generation, family-owned firm offers clients a full-range of construction services including general contracting, construction management, design|build, and masonry and concrete restoration. Bulley & Andrews has, for many seasons, supported Lyric Unlimited’s Performances for Students programs, and is a cosponsor of Lyric’s Ring cycle. Lyric is pleased to have Allan E. Bulley, III as a member of its Board of Directors. THE BUTLER FAMILY FOUNDATION Longtime members of the Lyric family from Dubuque, Iowa, John and Alice Butler recently made a leadership gift to Lyric’s Breaking New Ground Campaign’s stage improvement project. John says, “When Alice and I heard that Lyric was unable to share productions with other houses due to our outdated and unreliable stage technology, we understood that to be a serious problem that needed to be addressed. We believe in Lyric’s mission to be the best opera company in North America, and in order to be the best, we must have access to the best productions.” Lyric is honored to have John Butler serve on its Board of Directors and Investment Committee. MARION A. CAMERON Lyric is sincerely honored to have the support and leadership of Marion A. Cameron. A subscriber and donor for more than 20 years, Lyric gratefully acknowledges her outstanding generosity, through her leadership gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign, and her many production cosponsorships, including this season’s Madama Butterfly. Ms. Cameron is the CEO of Sipi Metals Corp., which continues to support the widely popular Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park concert. Marion Cameron is a member of Lyric’s Board of Directors, Executive and Finance Committees, and Chair of the Investment Committee. John and Alice Butler Lyric Opera of Chicago | 48 Richard Pomeroy Allan E. Bulley, III