Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Issue 6 - Champion

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 The Sound of Today: A conversation with Music Director Enrique Mazzola 14 To compose his first opera, Terence Blanchard had to trust his own voice. 18 TONIGHT’S PERFORMANCE 21 Title page and cast 22 Synopsis 26 Opera Notes: Champion illuminates profound issues surrounding Black celebrity and identity 30 Artist profiles 38 Orchestra and Chorus In this issue A scene from the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Champion. | pp. 18-39 On the cover: Justin Austin, photographed by Todd Rosenberg Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera 40 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 42 Bravissimi 44 Production sponsors 46 Supporting our future— endowments at Lyric 48 Ardis Krainik Society 52 Corporate partnerships 54 Aria Society 58 Annual individual and foundation support 64 Commemorative gifts 65 Artistic roster 66 Lyric staff 68 RYAN OPERA CENTER 70 Ryan Opera Center alumni around the world 70 Program staff 72 BEYOND THE STAGE 72 People of Lyric: If you want to work in the Lyric offices, first you’ll have to speak with Camilla Fernandez.