Lyric Opera 2019-2020 Issue 8 Madama Butterfly

NANCY AND SANFRED KOLTUN Close members of the Lyric family as longtime subscribers and generous supporters of the Ryan Opera Center and Lyric Unlimited, Nancy and Sanfred are valued members of the production sponsorship family, and cosponsor this season’s production of Don Giovanni. “In the fall of 1954, I attended Carmen, staged by the precursor of the Lyric. That night I fell in love with Carmen, opera, and my date. We were married shortly thereafter. Nancy and I have loved Lyric and have always supported one of the most cherished cultural institutions of Chicago. It is our hope that our children, grandchildren and those beyond will be able to attend the Lyric and appreciate what a gem is in their midst.” MR. AND MRS. FRED A. KREHBIEL Kay and Fred Krehbiel are longstanding dedicated members of the Lyric Opera family. Lyric gratefully acknowledges their generous contributions to Wine Auction, the Annual Campaign, and the Breaking New Ground Campaign. Kay Krehbiel is a leading and cherished member of Lyric’s Women’s Board, and Fred Krehbiel is a National Director of Lyric’s Board of Directors. JOSEF AND MARGOT LAKONISHOK Devoted members of the Lyric family, Josef and Margot Lakonishok have subscribed to Lyric for many seasons. They have contributed to the Annual Campaign and made a significant gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign. They have also cosponsored several mainstage productions, including last season’s Ariodante and this season’s Queen of Spades. The CEO of LSV Asset Management, Josef Lakonishok is a dedicated member of Lyric’s Board of Directors, serving on the Executive, Finance, and Investment Committees. NIX LAURIDSEN AND VIRGINIA CROSKERY LAURIDSEN Nix Lauridsen and Virginia Croskery Lauridsen of Des Moines, Iowa, support many initiatives at Lyric, including special gifts to The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center and Lyric Unlimited. This season, they continue as Lead Sponsors of the Ryan Opera Center Final Auditions, and also cosponsor Sir Bryn Terfel in Recital, having previously supported Lyric Unlimited’s presentation of An American Dream last season. As an alumna of the Ryan Opera Center, Virginia is thrilled that she and her husband Nix are able to support these incredible, emerging artists. Nix is the chairman of LGI (Lauridsen Group Inc.) and a recent inductee into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame. He is a relative newcomer to the opera world but loves the excitement of the genre. The Lauridsens are pleased to be part of the Lyric family and look forward to an exciting new season. JOHN D. AND CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including over-incarceration, global climate change, nuclear risk, and significantly increasing financial capital for the social sector. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program, the Foundation supports creativity in Chicago through its arts and culture grantmaking. The Foundation’s support helps create powerful performances and exhibitions, educate young people, and engage communities, while providing arts and culture organizations the flexibility to innovate and experiment. Lyric is very grateful for the ongoing support of the MacArthur Foundation. MAZZA FOUNDATION Lyric deeply appreciates the abiding friendship and generosity of the Mazza Foundation. Under the guidance of its directors, Mary Jane Rubinelli, Nicholas J. Lavezzorio, Joseph O. Rubinelli, Jr., and Joan Lavezzorio Schniedwind, the Mazza Foundation provided major support for the Student Matinees for many years, helping Lyric introduce the majesty and grandeur of opera to thousands of young people each season. Since 2005, the Mazza Foundation has been part of the production sponsorship family, most recently cosponsoring last season’s production of Elektra and this season’s Don Giovanni. MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. With more than 20 locations on three continents, our team works seamlessly across practices, industries and geographies to deliver highly effective—and often unexpected—solutions that propel success. More than 1,100 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and for the people they serve. Marilyn Pearson, McDermott’s Employment Practice Group, and others at our firm, are proud to support Lyric in its mission to enrich Chicago’s communities and art and culture. Joseph O. Rubinelli, Jr., Mary Jane Rubinelli, Nicholas J. Lavezzorio, and Joan Lavezzorio Schniedwind Marilyn Pearson Lyric Opera of Chicago | 52