Lyric Opera 2019-2020 Issue 8 Madama Butterfly

SYLVIA NEIL AND DANIEL FISCHEL Sylvia and Dan have been loyal Lyric Opera of Chicago subscribers and donors for many years, and have cosponsored several mainstage opera productions, including last season’s Elektra and this season’s Madama Butterfly . They made a generous gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign to help secure Lyric’s future. “It has been very enjoyable to become part of the Lyric family and to give back to a place that has given us so much pleasure. There have been many moments for both Dan and me when we have said, tonight is incredible, it is one of the memorable performances of our lifetime. Lyric Opera of Chicago is an international star and it is evidenced by the people who choose to be involved here.” Lyric is honored to have Sylvia Neil serve on its Board of Directors, Executive, Production Sponsorship, and Lyric Unlimited Committees. Sylvia also serves as the Chair of the Development Committee and is Lyric’s Chair-Elect. THE NERENBERG FOUNDATION During their lifetimes, Jerry and Elaine Nerenberg were passionate supporters of Lyric and subscribed for more than 30 years. They were especially supportive of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center and loved to watch these young artists perform and grow at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Jerry Nerenberg and his wife Elaine passed away in 2005 and 2007, respectively. In their wills, they established The Jerome and Elaine Nerenberg Foundation, which was funded to make generous annual grants to Lyric for many years to come. Lyric is very appreciative of the Nerenbergs’ thoughtfulness and generosity in creating this planned gift. NIB FOUNDATION Founding owners|managers of former radio station WNIB, Sonia and the late William Florian established the NIB Foundation to extend their support to many worthwhile arts and environmental causes. Sonia is a devoted member of the Lyric family, having subscribed to Lyric for more than four decades. The NIB Foundation continues to cosponsor many mainstage productions including this season’s production of Luisa Miller , and made a major commitment to the Breaking New Ground Campaign. In addition to their magnanimous financial support, Mr. and Mrs. Florian and the NIB Foundation gave their valuable collection of operatic and other vocal recordings to Lyric, making Lyric’s Educational Library Collection one of the most extensive collections of its kind in the country. Sonia Florian very generously provided a naming gift for the Florian Opera Bistro located on the third floor of the Lyric Opera House. Sonia is a vital member of Lyric’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Production Sponsorship Committee, and was awarded the Carol Fox Award, Lyric’s most prestigious honor, in 2015 for her outstanding commitment to the company. JOHN D. AND ALEXANDRA C. NICHOLS Longtime enthusiasts of arts and culture in Chicago, John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols have steadfastly supported the Annual Campaign, and are generous sponsors of the Renée Fleming Initiative. Lyric is extremely grateful for John and Alexandra Nichols’ significant leadership contributions to both the Campaign for Excellence and the Breaking New Ground Campaign, establishing the John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols Grand Staircase. They have also provided a generous gift endowing Lyric’s Music Director position, the John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols Endowed Chair, currently held by Sir Andrew Davis. Retired Chairman and CEO of Illinois Tool Works and Retired Vice Chairman and CEO of The Marmon Group, Inc., John Nichols is also a dedicated National Director of Lyric’s Board of Directors. “Our involvement with the opera company is a deeply rewarding experience for both of us,” John said. In 2019, John and Alexandra Nichols were bestowed Lyric’s highest honor, the Carol Fox Award, in recognition of their leadership and dedication to Lyric. NORTHERN TRUST A leading global financial services provider, Northern Trust has enjoyed a long-standing and significant relationship with Lyric. Based in Chicago, the firm has played a major role supporting the Annual Campaign and Lyric Unlimited. Northern Trust also provides vital leadership contributions to Lyric as presenting sponsor of the triennial Wine Auction since 2000, and as cosponsor of the Opera Ball (annually since 1998). In addition, Northern Trust has cosponsored several mainstage productions including last season’s West Side Story . Lyric is honored to have William A. Osborn, Northern Trust’s retired chairman and CEO, serve as a member of Lyric’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and Steven L. Fradkin, President of Wealth Management on Lyric’s Board of Directors. “Being a good corporate citizen is very important,” William Osborn once said. “It allows us to do our part to help keep the City of Chicago strong and viable and, in the end, this is beneficial to everyone.” MR. AND MRS. DAVID T. ORMESHER Lyric is sincerely grateful for the devotion of David and Sheila Ormesher. David is founder and CEO of closerlook, inc., a Chicago-based digital marketing agency serving the pharmaceutical industry. closerlook has given generously to Lyric for many years, sponsoring Fantasy of the Opera from 2009 to 2014 and Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park concert as the lead sponsor for eight consecutive years. Lyric is proud to have David T. Ormesher serving as its Chairman of the Board of Directors, on the Executive Committee, and on all sub-committees of the Board. Lyric Opera of Chicago | 54 Jerry and Elaine Nerenberg Sonia Florian Steven L. Fradkin