Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 5 - Le Comte Ory

15 | Lyric Opera of Chicago of ce. “That’s typically why people join.” Indeed, enjoying performances together is a large component of LYP’s activities, but there are many facets to the group. They gather in various other ways throughout the year, with the biggest party taking place each year on the Saturday before Halloween. The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer gets decked out in spooky decorations, there’s plenty of food and drink, the costumes are rather over-the-top, and dancing ensues. The event “welcomes hundreds of young professionals from across the city to the opera house, a lot of whom have never been here before,“ Roman notes. “Attending the party automatically makes you an LYP member. While you can certainly opt-out, the majority choose to stay on and enjoy all of the experiences. It’s a great way to sample Lyric.” Members of the group’s board (currently 16-strong) take turns hosting monthly happy hours. “They essentially reach out to a different up-and-coming, usually very exciting bar around Chicago,” Roman notes. “It serves as a really wonderful touch point for both the board and members who aren’t on the board. It’s an opportunity for people to bring people who might be interested in LYP. A good networking situation and a good way for people to discuss the season and opera, in general.” Levi-Paesky adds that the hosting establishments like seeing the LYP come in as well. “The restaurants enjoy the business,” he says. “A lot of our board members will put on their fundraising caps and say, ‘Hey, we’re bringing a group—can you throw in some Champagne?’ It’s a really good win-win situation all around.” “The happy hours are a great way of connecting the LYP Board to Lyric and to the greater Chicago community.” --Nick Roman, Boards Manager Previous iterations of the LYP Halloween party (like the 2018 and 2019 gatherings featured on these pages) were notable for some spectacular costumes. Lyric Opera of Chicago Lyric Opera of Chicago