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.
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The 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.
Ensemble 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 TribuneClick 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 EnsembleAudition 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 ChicagoThe 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) 345-8425Gianna 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.

The 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.
Ensemble 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.














