Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 5 - Le Comte Ory

You have probably seen them, those young people there on the mezzanine, laughing and talking and enjoying themselves, however grim the events on stage might be. Don’t be alarmed: It’s just the Lyric Young Professionals (LYP), enjoying a night at the opera with friends who share their passion for the art form. Now that more and more people are attending live performances again, the group’s ranks continue to grow—a good sign for the future of grand opera. Begun in 2010, the group was the brainchild of Renée Fleming, early in her role as creative consultant to the company. LYP was originally designed to get younger ticket holders in the door, and to nd younger donors—and it achieves both those things—but today the organization is more than the sum of its parts. “They’re a fabulous group,” says Jonah Levi-Paesky, a coordinator in Lyric’s Boards of ce. “People come for many reasons. Some are looking for networking opportunities, some people really love opera. And right now we have a mix; they come for one reason and they stay because of the community that they have built, which is really special.” Joe Michalak, now in his second year as LYP President, wholeheartedly agrees. “In general, it’s a very warm and welcoming group, and provides a great place for people of all opera fan-levels. We have a lot of people who are extremely passionate about opera, and we have people whose enjoyment is much more as a casual fan. But it really creates a space for everybody to enjoy the art form.” Michalak has been in the organization for seven years, contributing in various roles, and in many ways he’s an ideal member. With an MBA from the University of Chicago, he works in quantitative macroeconomic analytics for the CIBC commercial bank. He plays a little guitar, but his main instrument is the bass, and he plays in a professional jazz trio when time permits. “I always have had the desire to give back, and especially when I rst joined, most of what I had available to give was my skill set,” he says. “I’m passionate about music in general. I saw Lyric as a good t.” The membership fee is a modest $100, and joining the group opens access to Medley ticket subscriptions, a special pricing tier. “The most prized experience is the Medley ticket,” says Nick Roman, a manager in the Boards Lyric’s Young Professionals group welcomes fans of tragedy and comedy in equal measures. The group’s annual Halloween party transforms the Daniel F.and Ada L.Rice Grand Foyer. Lyric Opera of Chicago For the love of music