Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Issue 8B - Aida

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 2 6 WELCOME TO YOUR LYRIC 8 A letter from the Chair 10 Board of Directors 12 A generous gift has allowed Lyric to start planning for another Verdi masterpiece, in a season to be named later. 16 TODAY’S PERFORMANCE 19 Title page and cast 20 Synopsis 24 Opera Notes: The grand spectacle of Aida is really a study of individuals seeking love against a backdrop of war. 28 Director’s Note 29 Designer’s Note 28 Artist profiles 36 Orchestra and Chorus In this issue Aida at Washington National Opera | pp. 16-37 On the cover: Design by Jake Fruend, with artwork from RETNA. Scott Suchman / Washington National Opera 38 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 40 Bravissimi 42 Production sponsors 43 Commemorative gifts 44 Supporting our future— endowments at Lyric 46 Ardis Krainik Society 50 Corporate partnerships 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 Lyric Unlimited’s High School Choir Residencies give students expert instruction—and give teachers a sense of community. 72 People of Lyric: The company’s VIP ticketing associate will put you in your place.