Lyric Opera 2024-2025 Issue 1 - Rigoletto

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 14 Clockwise from top left: The 1993/94 Ensemble presented Maurice Ravel’s 1911 one-act comedy, L’heure espagnole ; Ensemble tenor Kenneth Gayle gets some hands-on encouragement from Renata Scotto; the 2012/13 Ensemble strikes a pose. new Director, a position she held until 2013. The coloratura soprano brought with her a wealth of experience on the world’s stages, including her 1986 debut at Lyric as Dorinda in Handel’s Orlando . “It was so beneficial for our young singers to work with Gianna,” noted William Mason, Lyric’s General Director from 1997 to 2012. “She truly understood what singing was all about and what it meant to have a career.” Between the tenures of Handt and Rolandi, the Ryan Opera Center enjoyed a series of visionary Directors: Lee Schaenen (1977-1991), Andrew Foldi (1991-1995), and Richard Pearlman (1995-2006). The administration later grew to include a Music Director and Director of Vocal Studies, positions held today by Craig Terry and Julia Faulkner. Ensemble positions of pianist, conductor, stage director, and stage manager have recently been added to reflect the training program’s leadership in nurturing the talents of artists across the full spectrum of the field. The program has also evolved to include international artists, further diversifying its talent pool. Each season, the Ryan Opera Center attracts over 600 applicants from around the globe, competing for the coveted spots in the Ensemble. This level of interest reflects the Ryan Opera Center’s reputation as one of the premier operatic training programs in the world. Lyric Music Director Enrique Mazzola provides invaluable insights and mentorship to Ensemble members, as does Ryan Opera Center Advisor-at-Large Renée Fleming. The achievements of the Ryan Opera Center’s alumni and current Ensemble members are a testament to the program’s impact. Graduates have gone on to perform in leading roles at prestigious opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, and Vienna State Opera. It’s no surprise that season after season over the past five decades, Lyric has welcomed home numerous distinguished alumni to perform in the Ardis Krainik Theater. All the success and growth stem from the unwavering support and dedicated leadership established at the very beginning. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the hundreds of Ryan Opera Center Board members and donors, whose generosity made everything the program has accomplished possible,” says Novak. “We will always be grateful for their vision, investment, and advocacy to create the Opera Center 50 years ago and guide its growth. As we look ahead, we aim to build on this strong foundation, explore new opportunities for our artists, and ensure the Ryan Opera Center remains a beacon of excellence in artist development for the next 50 years and beyond!” Dan Rest