OPERASHOP

operaglassesThe OperaShop is now open! Shop now for opera glasses, posters, shirts, and other Lyric exclusives. go. 

Join us in the Florian Opera Bistro for Pre-lecture dining. Then attend the pre-opera lecture. go.

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center

Ryan Opera About Homepage The 2011/12 Ensemble.

 

 


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.

Ryan Opera Center Ariadne  


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.

Former Ryan Opera Center member Amber Wagner (center) with current Ryan Opera Center member Kiri Deonarine, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, and soprano Nili Riemer in Ariadne auf Naxos at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

  

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, Christopher Feigum,

Elizabeth Futral, Roger Honeywell, Joseph Kaiser, Maria Kanyova, Quinn Kelsey, Dina Kuznetsova, Gary Lehman, Emily Magee, Marlin Miller, Susanna Phillips, Matthew Polenzani, Franco Pomponi, 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


RYAN OPERA CENTER 2011-2012 ENSEMBLE

Sopranos Mezzo-sopranos

Emily Birsan 
Emily Birsan 

Kiri Deonarine 
Kiri Deonarine 

Jennifer Jakob 
Jennifer Jakob

Emily Fons 
Emily Fons 

Cecelia Hall 
Cecelia Hall 

 

Tenors     Baritones    

barbera headshot 
René Barbera

Bernard Holcomb 
Bernard Holcomb

James Kryshak 
James Kryshak

 

La Rosa headshot 
Paul La Rosa

Joseph Lim 
Joseph Lim

Paul Scholten 
Paul Scholten 

 

Bass-baritone   Bass

David Govertsen 
David Govertsen

Evan Boyer 
Evan Boyer

 


RYAN OPERA CENTER AUDITIONS

 

Preliminary Auditions for the 2013-2014 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Audition dates in 2012
(with application deadlines)

New York City
March 10, 12 & 13
(February 5)

Chicago
May 10 & 11
(April 6) 

June 4, 5, & 7
(April 27)

July 8, 9, 11 & 13
(May 25)


Click here for application information and instructions.

The National Auditions are sponsored by

American Airlines Logo Small

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.


 

RYAN OPERA CENTER ADMINISTRATION

Gianna Rolandi, Director, The Ryan Opera Center Board Endowed Chair

Robert and Ellen Marks Vocal Studies Program Endowed Chair in honor of Gianna Rolandi

Dan Novak, Manager

Alicia Takushi, Auditions Coordinator

Telephone: (312) 332-2244

Fax: (312) 345-8425

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.