Lyric Opera 2019-2020 Issue 8 Madama Butterfly

SHURE CHARITABLE TRUST Rose and Sydney Shure gave generously throughout their lifetimes to organizations that brought them joy. Upon her death in 2016, Rose left bequests to several charitable organizations, including Lyric. In addition, Lyric is grateful to receive continued support from the Shure Charitable Trust created under the Will of Sidney N. Shure who passed away in 1995. “She truly loved Lyric; it was one of her most revered charities,” her niece Barbara Levie says. “They had four subscription seats for every opera, and even after my uncle died, my aunt would invite three people to go with her and take them to dinner in the Graham Room before the opera.” To honor them, the Trust named the Shures’ four subscription seats on the main floor of the Ardis Krainik Theatre with plaques reading, “In Loving Memory of Rose L. and Sidney N. Shure.” SHURE INCORPORATED Founded in 1925, Shure Incorporated is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading manufacturer of microphones and audio electronics. Over the years, the company has designed and produced many high-quality professional and consumer audio products that have become legendary for performance, reliability, and value. Shure’s diverse product line includes world-class wired microphones, wireless microphone systems, in-ear personal monitoring systems, conferencing and discussion systems, networked audio systems, award-winning earphones and headphones, and top-rated phonograph cartridges. Today, Shure products are the first choice whenever audio performance is a top priority. Lyric is honored to have partnered with Shure Incorporated for many years and is grateful to have Christine Schyvinck, President and CEO of Shure Incorporated, on its Board of Directors. Shure Incorporated generously provided major in-kind audio support for Lyric’s annual spring musical, including this season’s 42 nd Street. LIZ STIFFEL A passionate devotee of opera and loyal subscriber at Lyric, Liz is a prominent member of Lyric’s Women’s Board and a longstanding member of the Guild Board of Directors. She has cosponsored many mainstage productions, most recently last season’s La bohème , and she was the lead sponsor of the Renée Fleming 25th Anniversary Concert & Gala. This season, she cosponsored Barber of Seville and Luisa Miller. Lyric has named Mezzanine Box 1 in recognition of her significant gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign. Liz Stiffel was awarded the 2017 Carol Fox Award, Lyric’s most prestigious honor, in recognition of her continuing dedication to Lyric. “I believe that Lyric and all art forms are beacons of light that shine as examples of the best that mankind has to offer to our children, our nation, and ourselves.” DONNA VAN EEKEREN FOUNDATION Donna Van Eekeren is a devoted opera fan, Lyric subscriber, and generous supporter of the Ryan Opera Center. She enjoys encouraging talented young artists as Lead Sponsor of Rising Stars in Concert and Exclusive Sponsor of its radio rebroadcast on 98.7WFMT. Reflecting her passion for introducing young people to opera, the Donna Van Eekeren Foundation has supported Lyric’s Performances for Students, NEXT discount tickets for college students, and Opera in the Neighborhoods. The Donna Van Eekeren Foundation has cosponsored several mainstage productions including last season’s production of La traviata and this season’s 42 nd Street. Donna also made a leadership gift to the Breaking New Ground Campaign to help secure Lyric’s future. Donna Van Eekeren is a valued member of Lyric’s Board of Directors, serving as Secretary of the Board, on the Executive and Finance Committees, and on the Ryan Opera Center Board. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM C. VANCE Lyric Opera appreciates the generosity and leadership of the Vance Family. The Vances have sponsored|cosponsored several Lyric premieres and new productions, including this season's Queen of Spades . Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance are generous sponsors of the Renée Fleming Initiative. Mr. Vance is Vice President and an esteemed member of Lyric’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He also serves as a life member of the Ryan Opera Center Board, of which he is a past President. Bill Vance was awarded the 2016 Carol Fox Award, Lyric’s most prestigious honor. ROBERTA L. AND ROBERT J. WASHLOW Roberta and Bob Washlow are cherished members of the Lyric family. For more than four decades, they have enjoyed attending Lyric performances and special events, and have generously supported the Annual Campaign. Since 1986, the Port, Washlow, and Errant families together have sponsored more than 20 Lyric productions. The Washlows made a generous commitment to the Breaking New Ground Campaign to support Lyric Unlimited activities. Roberta and Bob have annually remained valued members of the production sponsorship family, and generously cosponsor this season’s production of Dead Man Walking , their twelfth opera cosponsorship, continuing a beloved family tradition. Lyric is honored to have Roberta Washlow as an esteemed member of its Board of Directors and Lyric Unlimited Committee. “Opera has always touched me,” Roberta once said. “I love the drama, passion, music, and excitement of a live performance at Lyric. Nothing can replace it, and I hope this beautiful art form will continue for generations.” Rose and Sydney Shure Christine Schyvinck Donna Van Eekeren Carol and WIlliam Vance Lyric Opera of Chicago | 56