Lyric Opera 2021-2022 Issue 2 The Elixir of Love

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 38 The Youth Opera Council gathered via Zoom in January 2021. Making their mark: Each year, Lyric selects a group of Chicagoland students representing a broad range of backgrounds to make up the Youth Opera Council (YOC). These curious and artistically inclined teens meet biweekly to discuss important topics related to Lyric, the opera world, and the arts in Chicago. “I loved being able to talk to people my own age about art and current issues within our eld,” shared Council member Gwendolen Adelman. “It was very interesting to hear from people in the opera community and ask them questions about what they do and how they believe we can change opera for the better.” The goal of this group is to grow interest and participation in the arts among high school students, and foster the next generation of arts leaders and patrons through behind-the-scenes exploration and youth-focused events. Council members meet and work with Lyric artists, technicians, and staff to learn the ins and outs of the opera industry. “Youth Opera Council has been an amazing learning experience for me,” said Council member Amanda Baity. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented artists, and to meet so many incredible composers, directors, actors, and singers. This group has truly opened my eyes to what it takes to make an opera.” While Lyric’s 2020/21 Season was different than most, the Youth Opera Council not only continued to meet, it grew exponentially. The program’s new virtual format allowed Lyric to extend its membership range and welcome newcomers from outside the Chicagoland area. Throughout the year, the cohort gathered virtually to discuss everything from the future of the arts to what digital programming they most enjoy. For some members, like Julia Szostak, the biweekly meetings were a constant in unpredictable times. “Even with the immense dif culties this past year has brought us, the Youth Opera Council was always the highlight of my day,” said Szostak. “Seeing people laugh and smile was such a welcome surprise. I loved meeting new people and talking about one of my favorite things in the world: opera.” “I loved getting into deep conversations about music with people who share the same passion that I have for it and hearing their views and what they have to say. It was so much fun to hear the stories of some of the best of the best, and to hear their views on the pandemic and how our generation is affecting the future of classical music,” shared Council member Hayes Foster. Returning Council members often shared their favorite memories of performances and in-person activities with new members, Lyric Opera of Chicago Teens re ect on their time in Lyric’s Youth Opera Council