Lyric Opera of Chicago presents An Evening With Audra McDonald

CHICAGO (8/23/23) — Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes the legendary Audra McDonald for a one-night-only concert experience on Friday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m. McDonald joins forces with the Lyric Opera Orchestra, under the musical direction of conductor Andy Einhorn, for a special evening that is a must-see for lovers of the Great American Songbook.

McDonald is a Broadway icon, classically trained singer, and acclaimed actress who has won six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and a National Medal of Arts. The star most notably holds the record for the most performance-based Tony Awards, and is the only performer to win in all four acting categories. McDonald has performed with major orchestras across the US and for renowned companies including Houston Grand Opera and Los Angeles Opera. Now, she's bringing her vocal power to Lyric Opera of Chicago for her first appearance on Chicago’s largest stage.

In addition to her astounding array of performance credits, both live and on-screen, McDonald is known for her passionate activism, advocating for at-risk youth, LGBTQ+ communities, and equal rights causes. She is the co-founder of Black Theater United, and sits on the Covenant House International Board of Directors, which oversees programs for young people experiencing homelessness. In 2017, she graced the cover of Variety magazine's "Power of Women" issue and received the Covenant House’s Beacon of Hope Award the following year.

An Evening With Audra McDonald is a highlight of the start of the 2023/24 cultural season and also serves as Lyric Opera of Chicago's Season Opening Gala. For Gala ticketholders, the lavish event includes a red carpet, pre-performance cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by dinner and dancing after the concert all in support of Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Audiences are invited to join Audra McDonald on a journey through some of the greatest songs ever written, in an elegant evening in one of the country's most beautiful art deco opera houses.

To purchase single concert tickets, visit lyricopera.org/audra.

To learn more about Season Opening Gala and to purchase gala seating, visit lyricopera.org/openinggala.

Lyric's Season Opening Gala is a project of the Women's Board and is generously sponsored by Lead Sponsors Aon, ITW and Northern Trust, Patrick and Shirley Ryan Family Foundation, Liz Stiffel, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP with additional support from CIBC.

Lyric Opera's Season is presented by

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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