Lyric Opera 2019-2020 Issue 8 Madama Butterfly

ELIZABETH MORSE GENIUS CHARITABLE TRUST One of two trusts established in memory of Elizabeth Morse Genius, daughter of 19th-century industrialist Charles Hosmer Morse, the Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust is a major, and deeply appreciated, leader among Lyric’s contributors. Through the Trust’s support of classical fine arts, Co-Trustees Bank of America, N.A. and James L. Alexander seek to enrich the quality of life in Chicago, especially for youth and elderly citizens. In recognition of the Trust’s Building on Greatness Capital Campaign support, Lyric named the distinctive Opera House chimes and music library in honor of Elizabeth Morse Genius. Along with its sister trust, The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, the Genius Trust has sponsored many mainstage productions. In addition to production sponsorship, the Trust has helped underwrite Lyric’s ongoing efforts to diversify its various boards and preserve Lyric’s history through support of its Archives project. Most recently, Lyric named one of its key meeting rooms in its executive offices as the Elizabeth Morse Genius Conference Room in order to show its grateful appreciation for the Trust’s significant gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign, as well as to recognize the Trust’s commitment over many years to helping build the company’s core capacities and institutional infrastructure. WILLIAM AND ETHEL GOFEN William and Ethel Gofen have been attending Lyric Opera of Chicago productions for more than 50 years. They are generous donors to Lyric’s Annual Campaign, and are members of Lyric's Production Sponsorship family, cosponsoring this season's The Three Queens starring Sondra Radvanovsky. They have also made a leadership gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign. Lyric is thrilled to have Ethel Gofen as a member of the Board of Directors and Lyric Unlimited Committee. HOWARD L. GOTTLIEB AND BARBARA G. GREIS Among Lyric’s most devoted subscribers and patrons, Howard Gottlieb and Barbara Greis have generously supported Lyric through major contributions to the Annual Campaign and the Breaking New Ground Campaign. They have cosponsored many productions, including this season’s production of Don Giovanni. Mr. Gottlieb is the retired chairman of the Glenwood Investment Corporation and an accomplished violinist. In 2018, Mr. Gottlieb was given Lyric's highest honor, the Carol Fox Award, for his many years of generous service. Lyric is honored to have him serve as an active member of Lyric’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. GRAMMA FISHER FOUNDATION With an unparalleled record as sponsor of almost 30 new Lyric productions since the 1960s, the Gramma Fisher Foundation of Marshalltown, Iowa is a cornerstone of Lyric’s legacy of world-class achievement in the arts. The Gramma Fisher Foundation has made a leadership commitment to cosponsor this season's Ring cycle. Lyric is sincerely grateful for the enduring friendship and leadership of Christine Hunter, Howard Hunter and other members of the Fisher family. Lyric is fortunate to have two members of the Gramma Fisher Foundation Family serving in leadership roles; Matthew Fisher serves on its Board of Directors and Stephanie Fisher is an esteemed member of the Women’s Board. KAREN Z. GRAY-KREHBIEL AND JOHN H. KREHBIEL, JR. Lyric is deeply grateful for the friendship and support of Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John Krehbiel. Karen and John recently joined the production sponsor family with their generous support of the 2016|17 season's Carmen and made a leadership gift to Wine Auction 2018. A devoted member of the Women’s Board since 2008, Karen served as Chair of the Opening Night Opera Ball in 2011. Karen has also served on several committees for the Women's Board, most recently as the 2016 Board of Directors’ Annual Meeting Chair. In addition, she contributed a very generous gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign in support of stage renovations. The Krehbiel family plays a prominent role in the continued success of the company, and Lyric is proud to have Karen Gray-Krehbiel as a new member of Lyric's Board of Directors. MR. & MRS. DIETRICH M. GROSS Lyric deeply appreciates the enduring friendship and tremendous generosity of Dietrich and Erika Gross. Together, they have sponsored|cosponsored a total of 26 Lyric productions since 1987|88, including this year's Ring cycle. Lyric is honored to name Mezzanine Box 20 in grateful recognition for their leadership gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign. Dietrich Gross is an esteemed member of Lyric’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In 2009, Lyric recognized the dedicated leadership and vital involvement of Dietrich Gross by granting him the Carol Fox Award, Lyric’s most prestigious honor. JOHN R. HALLIGAN CHARITABLE FUND John R. Halligan was a devoted subscriber and patron of Lyric for many years until his death in 2001. With support from his Charitable Fund under the direction of the Fund’s President, Norman J. Gantz, Mr. Halligan’s philanthropic legacy continues through very generous annual contributions to Lyric. The Halligan Fund is proud to support numerous artistic, cultural, and civic Elizabeth Morse Genius John R. Halligan Lyric Opera of Chicago | 50