Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 4- Don Carlos

15 | Lyric Opera of Chicago The Lyric Wine Auction is, without question, one of the most dazzling dates on Chicago’s social calendar— an unrivaled blend of music, ne wine and cuisine, and high-impact fundraising. It actually takes place directly on the Ken Pigott stage, and supports almost every facet of Lyric‘s activities. By tradition, the event takes place every three years—a cadence interrupted by the pandemic. On the evening of May 13, 2023, Lyric patrons will have the chance to make up for lost time. Since its inception in 1988, the event has brought in more than $11 million in support, a generous tally from the guests in attendance and those bidding from afar. The wine world’s book-of-record, Wine Spectator , named it a “Top Charity Wine Auction,” and that’s probably an understatement. In truth, it’s always a blast, and this season’s version promises to be every bit as stellar as in years past–a scintillating blend of the world’s nest wines, rare ed journeys, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The energy behind the auction mirrors the energy that has been felt in the opera house since the successful start of the season. “Lyric has come back really strong from COVID,” notes Nancy S. Searle, who returns again this season as a committee co-chair. A past president and member of the Lyric Opera Women’s Board for more than 20 years, Searle has been instrumental in growing the auction into the glamorous extravaganza it has now become. “We’ve got a full schedule of operas, including two commissioned world premieres, as well as musicals. There has been incredible audience response—including sold-out shows.” And the auction is an important part of making it happen. “All the funds raised support programs like Lyric’s education and engagement efforts for children and adults across all of the communities we serve,” she notes. “The auction also supports the training of professional artists and supports the creation of new works at Lyric.” With fellow Co-Chair Erica L. Sandner and Vice Chairs Suzanne W. Mulshine and Eileen Murphy leading the way, this year for the rst time the three-day event will kick off with private dinners in some of the most beautiful homes in Chicago, Winnetka, and Lake Forest, pairing Featured Vintners with celebrated chefs. The night of the auction begins with a reception sponsored by Beam Suntory in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer, before trumpeters beckon guests to the stage, where they are served dinner amidst a set designed by the Lyric Opera production team, followed by the always thrilling live auction, handled again this year by Michael Davis and Ben Ferdinand of Hart Davis Hart auction house. “It’s fascinating to walk into a grand opera theater and rather than seeing a stage with the curtain down, it is completely decked out with multiple levels of customized staging and lighting, set for a dinner and live auction,” says Sandner. “To be sitting on that stage and looking out onto the seats is really special.” An avid collector herself, Sandner has been attending the Wine Auction since 1997. The 2023 Honored Guest is Maison Joseph Drouhin, one of the most iconic producers of premier cru and grand cru Burgundy, with estate vineyards in Chablis, After a ve-year hiatus, the Lyric Wine Auction returns this spring. Suzanne W.Mulshine,Nancy S.Searle,Erica L.Sandner,and Eileen Murphy are the Wine Auction Committee for the event this May. Jaclyn Simpson Photography