Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Issue 4 - Jenufa

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 2 6 WELCOME TO YOUR LYRIC 8 A letter from the Chair and the General Director 10 Board of Directors 12 Divas Ablaze: Welcoming world-renowned sopranos Nina Stemme and Lise Davidsen 16 TONIGHT’S PERFORMANCE 19 Title page and cast 20 Synopsis 22 Director’s note 24 Conductor’s note: Jakub Hr ˚uša on the profound impact of Janáˇcek’s work 25 Opera notes: Jen ˚ufa tells a searing tale of radical forgiveness 29 Artist profiles 36 Orchestra and Chorus In this issue A scene from the Royal Opera House’s production of Jenu˚fa. | pp. 16-37 On the cover: Original artwork created by Jake Fruend Tristram Kenton/Royal Opera House 38 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 40 Bravissimi 42 Production sponsors 43 Commemorative gifts 45 Supporting our future— endowments at Lyric 46 Legacy giving: the Ardis Krainik Society 50 Corporate partnership 52 Aria Society 56 Annual individual and foundation support 62 Lyric staff 64 RYAN OPERA CENTER 66 Ryan Opera Center alumni around the world 66 Program staff 67 Artistic roster 68 BEYOND THE STAGE 70 Music Director Enrique Mazzola leads Lyric’s partnership with the Merit School of Music 72 People of Lyric: Meet Paul Sprecher, Philanthropy Officer