Lyric Opera of Chicago's Wine Auction 2023 – a Sparkling Success!

CHICAGO (5/31/2023) – On Saturday, May 13, a capacity crowd of many of Chicago’s most generous philanthropists gathered for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Wine Auction 2023, one of the social calendar’s most glittering events. Dedicated to supporting the art form of grand opera and all of Lyric's learning and creative engagement programs, the auction returned to Lyric's Ken Pigott Stage after a five-year hiatus and was tremendously enjoyed by all.

Led by co-chairs Nancy S. Searle (Winnetka) and Erica L. Sandner (Chicago), along with vice chairs Suzanne W. Mulshine (Chicago) and Eileen Austin Murphy (Chicago), the auction attracted enthusiastic participation from all corners of the stage. Built on the scale of a full operatic production, the event featured scenic design by Lyric Opera of Chicago’s technical department, transporting guests to a vineyard with majestic greenery and lighting inspired by a magical sunset.

The evening opened with remarks from Wine Auction 2023’s Honored Guest, distinguished winemaker Laurent Drouhin, from Maison Joseph Drouhin. The renowned Burgundy winery spans four generations and 142 years, and donated numerous lots for the occasion. Guests also enjoyed a selection of fine wines from the winery with their dinner, presented by J&L Catering.

The event's catalogue featured prime lots of rare wines from top vineyards worldwide, along with unique experiences that added a touch of adventure and luxury. Attendees were captivated by jeweled treasures from Tamsen Z, extraordinary trips to destinations such as an exclusive villa in Tuscany and the World of Wine in Portugal, and a private dinner at the home of celebrity chef Rick Bayless, featuring a tequila tasting donated by Beam Suntory, sponsor of the pre-event cocktail reception.

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Lyric's Wine Auction 2023 is a project of the Women's Board and is generously sponsored by Lead Sponsors Kirkland and Ellis LLP with Linda and Dennis Myers, Live Auction and Dinner Sponsor Northern Trust, and Catalogue Sponsor Liz Stiffel. Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, American Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

View Wine Auction 2023 images here.

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About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings. Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can.

Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved, inspired, and connected.

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