Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 6 - Hansel and Gretel

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 16 singer there who had a real spark and was able to deliver something that wowed everyone. So we invited her to the Finals . Giving her the chance to walk through the door and see what she can do right now was a huge opportunity.” This past September, 15 singers made the pilgrimage for what Freud recently referred to as “the annual excitement.” Indeed, the actual day-of performances are thrilling to watch, an experience that first became available to an audience nine years ago, thanks to a sponsorship by the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation. This year’s Lead Sponsor was Philip G. Lumpkin. “A number of subscribers, donors, patron groups, ticket buyers, and students attend, many for the entire six hours—a major commitment of time,” Novak says. “It’s a much nicer experience for the singers to have an audience who support them with their applause and energy. And it’s a wonderful opportunity for the Lyric family to learn more about the Ryan Opera Center.” More than 500 listeners attended the most recent event. In the house also, of course, was the judging panel—Faulkner, Freud, Novak, and Terry, joined by Lyric’s Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Chief Artistic Administration Officer Matthew Ozawa, Vice President, Artistic Planning Andreas Melinat, and Director of Artistic Programs Cory Lippiello. The conversations, coaching sessions, and interviews that take place with Finalists over the previous several days matter a Kyle Flubacker Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner,center,celebrates with new 2023/24 Ensemble mezzo-sopranos Lucy Baker, left,and Sophia Maekawa,right.