Lyric Opera 2024-2025 Issue 7 - La bohème

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 66 Expanding Horizons (2004–2013) 2006 After serving as Director of Vocal Studies since 2002, Gianna Rolandi is appointed Director of the program. As a performer at Lyric, the renowned soprano made her debut in the 1986/87 Season as Dorinda in Orlando . In recognition of a transformative gift, the program is renamed The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. General Director William Mason announces the news on opening night. 2011 The annual Rising Stars in Concert is broadcast for the first time on Chicago’s classical radio station, 98.7WFMT. 2012 Ensemble members debut with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago under the baton of Sir Andrew Davis, the first collaborative performance between the artist-development programs. The first season of the Ryan Opera Center Recital Series airs on 98.7 WFMT. It is the only such series of its kind in the world. 2013 Final auditions are opened to an audience of Lyric donors and subscribers, marking a milestone that provides patrons with a unique opportunity to experience the selection process. After serving as the program’s Manager since 2000, Dan Novak is promoted to Director of the Ryan Opera Center. A member of Lyric’s music staff since 2005, Craig Terry is appointed the Ryan Opera Center’s first Music Director, overseeing Ensemble artists’ musical development. Maureen Zoltek is selected as the new Ensemble pianist, a position offering specialized training opportunities as a coach and assistant conductor. Decade 4: Paving the Way Clockwise from top left: At Lyric’s 2008 Annual Meeting,Ryan Opera Center Director Gianna Rolandi and Patrick G.and Shirley W.Ryan (front row) joined members of the 2007/08 and 2008/09 Ensembles; Sir Andrew Davis leads the Civic Orchestra and members of the 2012/13 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble; Gianna Rolandi; the spirited 2005/06 Ensemble. The decade from 2004 to 2013 brought numerous milestones for the Ryan Opera Center, including new leadership and even a new name. Here, the fourth installment of our ongoing celebration of the program’s 50th anniversary. Dan Rest Cheri Eisenberg