A Strong Foundation

“I’ve long believed that great cultural institutions are built through sustained investment — not only in what happens on stage, but in the people and communities they serve,” says Richard W. Colburn, president of The Negaunee Foundation. In May, the philanthropy made a $20 million gift that established two cornerstone funds that will shape Lyric’s impact across Chicago and on stage for decades to come.

“This transformational gift is a powerful statement of belief in Lyric’s future,” says John Mangum, General Director at Lyric Opera of Chicago. “Funds for The Negaunee Education Programs ensure that our work offstage — engaging young people, families, and communities — will thrive for generations and develop future audiences for opera, while The Negaunee Fund for Mozart deepens our commitment to one of the greatest composers in the operatic canon. These funds greatly support our ambition to expand both the reach and relevance of opera in America.”

Lyric Opera of Chicago has been a partner in Chicago arts education and engagement for more than three decades. Through in-school artist residencies that give students hands-on experience with professional artists, opportunities to see opera at small and large scales that spark the imagination through the power of storytelling, and events both in neighborhoods and within the historic Lyric Opera House that provide new experiences fostering a deep connection with music, the initiatives are about igniting a lifelong passion for opera.

Serving approximately 80,000 people through education and community programs throughout the Chicago region each season, Lyric has a program ready to meet every potential young opera lover where they are in their journey to discover and deepen the many ways that opera can enrich our lives.
Half of the gift will create The Negaunee Education Programs, providing perpetual support for Lyric’s work with students, families, and educators across Chicago and the broader region. The division formerly known as Lyric Unlimited will now operate as the Education and Engagement department. Among other activities, this is the part of the company that supports artistic residencies, student dress rehearsals, and the smaller-scale touring operas meant for younger audiences. The funding will expand in-school and family programming while deepening existing partnerships with organizations such as the Merit School of Music and supporting a new collaboration with the Music Institute of Chicago.
For the collaborative partnership with Merit School of Music, Lyric brings professional opera artists to the school for coaching, masterclasses, and performances, including rehearsals led by Music Director Enrique Mazzola, providing Merit students with high-level training and access to Lyric professionals. Founded in 1931, the Music Institute of Chicago is a nonprofit community music school that leads people toward a lifelong engagement with music. The institution provides widely accessible resources for high-quality music teaching, performing, and service activities.

The gift also establishes The Negaunee Fund for Mozart, a dedicated contribution supporting an annual presentation of a Mozart opera as part of Lyric’s season. This philanthropic investment will enable both the revival of existing works and the development of new productions, including potential future stagings of the Mozart/Da Ponte trilogy, ensuring the enduring presence of Mozart’s work at Lyric at the highest artistic level.
“This gift comes at a pivotal moment for Lyric as we look toward an exciting future,” says Craig Martin, the Chair of Lyric’s Board of Directors. “The support and the long-term vision that has made it possible are especially fitting at a time when the arts can bring so much to so many.”

Helping bring the arts to the community has been a longtime focus of The Negaunee Foundation – and this latest gift to Lyric underscores its commitment to the power of opera to inspire, educate, and connect communities.

“Lyric Opera of Chicago pairs artistic excellence with a deep commitment to education and community engagement,” Colburn says. “Supporting these efforts is a meaningful way to help ensure that this art form continues to inspire future generations.”