Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Issue 5 - Cinderella

13 | Lyric Opera of Chicago The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic artists of each generation. Their journey begins with the highly competitive audition process involving hundreds of applicants from around the globe. It’s a major achievement to be invited to join the program’s prestigious Ensemble—but that’s just the first step. From day one, Ryan Opera Center members dive into the hard work they are here to undertake—the rigorous and comprehensive training required for emerging artists to develop international careers on the opera stage. Those multifaceted activities, centered backstage at Lyric, include individual coachings and group sessions; voice lessons; acting, movement, and audition classes with distinguished instructors; intensive language instruction; and repertoire coaching from resident faculty and staff as well as visiting experts. It is not uncommon to hear the experience likened to that undergone by Olympic athletes; the singers arrive in excellent condition, and then elevate their abilities and artistry to a world-class level. Of all the assets and expertise harnessed to support the Ensemble, none could be more important than the coaching and instruction provided by the Center’s Music Director Craig Terry and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner. Together, they make an extraordinary contribution in guiding, encouraging, and shaping the next generation of opera stars. The Ryan Opera Center will mark its 50th anniversary next season, and boasts more than 300 artists (including the newer positions of pianist, conductor, stage director, and stage manager) as alumni. Over the years, support from the likes of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor at Large and exceptional donor generosity has enabled the Center to sustain its position as one of the opera world’s most renowned artist-development programs. Craig Terry has served as Music Director of the Ryan Opera Center since 2013, and before that spent 11 seasons at Lyric as an assistant conductor. He is an accomplished international performer as well, and recently added a Grammy Ensemble mezzo-soprano Sophia Maekawa works with Julia Faulkner in a studio backstage at Lyric.