Lyric Opera of Chicago Season 2008/2009 Buy now!

THE PATRICK G. AND SHIRLEY W. RYAN OPERA CENTER

The Ryan Opera Center and Lyric Opera of Chicago mourn the loss of Ensemble member Ryan Smith. Click here for further information.

Announcing auditions for the 2010-2011 Ensemble


Click here for Ryan Opera Center audition information Renee Fleming and Ryan Opera Center remember David Portillo in Lyric's production of La traviata Click here to support the Ryan Opera Center

Valayre and Yang in Madame ButterflyThe Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center was established in 1974 as the professional artist–development program for Lyric Opera of Chicago. Since its inception, the Ryan Opera Center has been recognized as one of the premier programs of its kind in the world. That standing is maintained by providing the finest up-and-coming singers with unparalleled training and experience. Gianna Rolandi is Director of the program.

Selected from some 400 singers who audition annually, the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble members are in residence for twelve months. Over the course of the year they receive advanced instruction in numerous aspects of operatic performance, including voice lessons and coachings, language and acting training, and master classes with some of opera's most renowned artists.

David Daniels and Ryan Opera Center member Darren Stokes at Lyric Opera of ChicagoEnsemble members gain valuable performing experience by participating in recitals and concerts at many Chicago–area venues. During Lyric Opera's mainstage season, they perform and understudy roles at all levels. This presents an extraordinary opportunity to work with the world's greatest opera singers, conductors, directors, orchestra, and chorus.

A testament to the Ryan Opera Center's caliber and success is the roster of distinguished alumni who perform regularly on the stages of leading international opera houses. It includes Harolyn Blackwell, Nicole Cabell, David Cangelosi, Mark S. Doss, Jennifer Dudley, Christopher Feigum, Elizabeth Futral, Joseph Kaiser, Maria Kanyova, Gregory Kunde, Dina Kuznetsova, Cynthia Lawrence, Emily Magee, Susanna Phillips, Matthew Polenzani, Patricia Risley, Erin Wall, and Guang Yang.

The Ryan Opera Center, "an elite singer–training program...is known as a launching pad to big-time careers..."
Chicago Tribune

Click here for Audition Information


THE PATRICK G. AND SHIRLEY W. RYAN OPERA CENTER
2008–2009 ENSEMBLE

Sopranos Mezzo-sopranos

Andriana
Chuchman

Angela
Mannino

Amber
Wagner
 
Kathryn
Leemhuis

Katherine
Lerner
Tenors

Edward
Mout

David
Portillo

Ryan
Smith
in memorium
Baritones   Bass-baritones

Daniel
Billings

Corey
Crider
 
Paul
Corona

Sam
Handley

Craig
Irvin



AUDITION INFORMATION


Preliminary Auditions
for the
2010-2011 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Audition dates in 2009
(with application deadlines)

Chicago, IL
(only audition site)

May 20-24, 2009
(April 15, 2009)

July 10-13, 2009
(May 29, 2009)

For application information, please email RyanCenteraud@lyricopera.org.
For further inquiries, please call (312) 827-3521.

The National Auditions are sponsored by



Official Airline of Lyric Opera of Chicago

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center admits persons of
any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.


The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Administration

Telephone: (312) 332-2244

Fax: (312) 345-8425

Gianna Rolandi, Director, The Ryan Opera Center Board Endowed Chair in memory of Lee J. Schaenen
Robert and Ellen Marks Vocal Studies Program Endowed Chair in honor of Gianna Rolandi
Dan Novak, Manager
Alicia Takushi, Auditions Coordinator

For further information on Ryan Opera Center singers and for inquiries about engagements for individual members or the entire Ensemble, please contact Dan Novak, Manager.

Production and class photos by Dan Rest.