Lyric Opera 2024-2025 Issue 8 - The Listeners

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 72 What was your path to Lyric? It’s a really interesting path, actually — certainly not one that is artistic. But I’ll just say this: I grew up with the intention of being artistic. As a kid, I was obsessed with drawing and painting; I participated in Chicago Park District summer programming that allowed me to perform on stage (acting, dancing, and singing). But falling in love with math interrupted my artistic path. I found creativity in how I approached math problems. The original idea was to become a math teacher. However, at the University of Iowa, business classes stole my heart. I knew instantly that business was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. And what came next? I went into public accounting. I traveled a lot, audited a variety of companies, and learned a lot about how risk manifests itself in organizations. I spent some time in large-company accounting departments. But I had a desire for greater impact in my role. I’m mission-driven. It’s funny — early in my career, I worked for a firm at the corner of 1 South Wacker. I would leave that office every day and walk past the opera house and often wonder about its operations. So when this opportunity came about, it felt like serendipity. What’s a typical day like for you now? My role centers around leading the finance department’s day-to-day operations and ensuring that Vince Milianti, our CFO, has the pulse of our organizational results. Additionally, my work focuses on ensuring that our team feels supported in their work. I’m always attempting to reconcile work with the human experience, for I believe confidence in your work breeds confidence in your life. Do you enjoy working in the arts? I do. It’s a new perspective for me. In most organizations I served, it was all about making sure we checked the boxes. Because we were so far removed from the plant floor, it was easier to push out directives without appreciation. At Lyric, I get to work adjacent to the “plant floor” and experience how much people really care about the work. It makes you appreciate the complexity and demanding nature of arts administrators’ role. We understand that we have to be patient, keep our eyes open, and seek opportunities to have impact. It’s critically important that the work onstage represents a level of quality that engages our audiences, our funders, and the people who work here. What would surprise people about your job? What I do might not feel like it’s connected to staged performances, but what we do is vital to what goes on the stage. I feel that connection every day. It’s funny — I’ve gone to some operas since I’ve been here, and I’ve tried to really absorb what happens on the stage from an emotional standpoint. But what really gets me going is knowing that our department supports the entire process behind the scenes, from paying invoices, paying artists, and complying with rules and regulations, to providing Lyric’s leadership with timely information and insights that enable key decisions. You are really serving the art. A lot of accountants get reputations for being the sheriff, saying no all of the time. I see it the other way around. My department is a customer service department. We seek to help our leaders navigate financial restraints and comply with rules without disrupting the quality of what goes onstage, as that is what brings excitement to the city and our community. People of Lyric A behind-the-scenes conversation Hometown: Chicago When did you start at Lyric? September 2023 First opera you saw live? The Flying Dutchman Favorite opera? The Daughter of the Regiment is my favorite so far. Favorite performer? In terms of music, it’s Kendrick Lamar, and for film, it’s anything from Christopher Nolan. Other interests? I’ll finish an MBA from Loyola’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility in May. My wife and I love shows and plays — Court Theatre is our neighborhood theater — but as of late we keep a low profile. We are expecting our first child in May. Life is moving full speed. Maurice Richardson Vice President, Finance Kyle Flubacker