Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Issue 5 - Cinderella

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 72 What is your role here at Lyric? The Ryan Opera Center is one of the country’s preeminent emerging artist programs, and as Manager I make sure that everything goes smoothly behind the scenes. I manage the schedules for our Ensemble, and also act as a liaison with all of Lyric’s different departments. I believe that I am doing my job successfully if the artists don’t have to stress about anything. What was your path to working at Lyric? I’ve loved going to plays and musicals since I was young. After seeing my first live opera at the Metropolitan Opera, I told my mom, “I NEED to work here.” It was just an overwhelming, new feeling. I started as a volunteer in the Archives Department and was able to make connections, immerse myself in the back of house functions, and interact with a lot of the singers. I was then an intern with Columbia Artists in their Opera Vocal Division. Once the arts re-emerged after the pandemic, the opportunity to work at Lyric landed in my lap, and I’m so fortunate to be here! What is the most exciting aspect of your role at Lyric? Being surrounded by music and live performances all the time! At the Ryan Opera Center we provide the artists with the tools they need to progress in their field, so it’s always great to see their development and ultimate success. It brightens my day when artists pop into my office to say, “Susanna, I just had the best coaching!” I get very excited when I see the artists happy and achieving their goals! What is something about your job that would surprise people? That the bond we form with the artists is so strong. Our relationship doesn’t end after the artists leave our program. We follow up with the artists and their achievements; we’re always still talking with them. We care about them as individuals. While my job might be nine-to-five on paper, it’s really a lifestyle. What do you like about working in the arts? I love coming to a job where everyone has the same passion that I do. So many people rely on the arts to feed their soul, and it’s really rewarding to be part of producing that for the public. Opera is there when emotions can no longer be expressed through spoken words. Whether you’re sad, or elated, or anxious, there is an opera that you can go to to help process those emotions. I literally can’t go a day without music, so working in the arts is a dream! Any Lyric production you are particularly proud of? The first that comes to mind is last season’s production of Carmen . Carmen herself was a Ryan Opera Center alumna, J’Nai Bridges, and the production featured most of our current artists on stage, too. It was really special, and I went to quite a number of those performances to cheer them all on! Beyond opera, what are your other passions? I love attending live music concerts, performing comedy around the city, crocheting, and playing with my bunny, Lottie. People of Lyric A behind-the-scenes conversation Hometown: Westchester, NY When did you start at Lyric? I started September 2021, just in time for our Ryan Opera Center Final Auditions. Favorite opera: I’d have to say Cavalleria rusticana . I could listen to Mascagni’s soaring score on repeat! Favorite opera character: I love Cenerentola’s optimism and positive outlook on life. Favorite performer: Brandi Carlile has the whole package. She is an outstanding vocalist and songwriter, and her stage presence is just incomparable. Susanna McNatt Manager,The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Kyle Flubacker