Lyric Young Professionals

Ways to expand your support for Lyric

• Individual Giving

  LYPs have a rare opportunity to explore the possibilities of opera together. Please consider giving a new or additional gift in support of the Ryan Opera Center. With any gift, you will join a community of arts lovers, eligible for a number of membership experiences.

• Matching Gifts

  Did you know that many companies offer a matching gift program to encourage philanthropy among their employees? Matching gifts potentially double, if not triple, your original donation to Lyric Opera of Chicago! Simply contact your supervisor or HR department to see if your company will match your gift, allowing you to increase your impact!

• Corporate Giving

  Corporate sponsorships support Lyric in creating groundbreaking community experiences while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

  Corporate partners enjoy unique networking experiences, special invitations to exclusive events, and opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with other patrons of the arts. Corporate support is recognized in print and digital media according to the level of support.

  You can play a role in helping to grow Lyric's corporate partnerships by connecting with your employer and your network.

  Lyric may already be fortunate enough to have a relationship with your corporate partner! Check with the Boards Office to confirm if yours is one of the 60 corporate partners who have contributed this season.

  If you are engaging your employer, contact your HR department or supervisor to learn about the company's giving process and culture.

  The Boards Office is happy to share any solicitation materials you might need.

• Membership

  What is Lyric Young Professionals?

  Lyric Young Professionals (LYP) is a growing group of more than 150 dynamic opera lovers ages 21 to 45 dedicated to building the next generation of supporters for Lyric Opera of Chicago.

  
  What’s included in membership?

  LYP members enjoy a range of exciting experiences including access to our unique social and networking events, educational programming such as our Cocktails & Conversation series, volunteer opportunities, as well as discounted tickets to performances, and so much more. Learn more about the engagement opportunities each level offers.

  
  LYP sounds awesome! How do I join?

  You can join LYP by making a contribution of $100 dues, plus a donation to the Ryan Opera Center. Once you have made your contribution, you will be an active member of LYP until the end of the Fiscal Year (June 30).

  
  Is there a deadline for when I can join?

  No, there is no deadline to join LYP. You can join LYP at any point throughout the calendar year. We will notify you when your membership expiration is nearing at the end of Lyric’s Fiscal Year on June 30.

  
  What is the commitment for being on the LYP Board?

  LYP is governed by the LYP Board, which has 18 members. All active members who make a donation of $250 or above are eligible to apply to join the LYP Board in the spring. Board members are required to attend monthly board meetings, serve on a committee, act as an ambassador for Lyric, attend LYP fundraising events, and actively promote and sell tickets to their networks. Learn more about our LYP Board.

• Membership Fees and Contributions

  Why are membership fees split between a contribution and dues?

  Fees at the LYP Member level and above are split between dues and contribution. Dues cover operations such as administrative costs and food and beverage at our many events offered throughout the year and are not tax deductible. The contribution portion of membership directly supports The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center artist development program at Lyric.

  Where is my contribution directed?

  As the next generation of Lyric supporters LYP is passionate about creating a sustainable environment for the future of opera. The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center prepares emerging singers and apprentice coaches for careers in opera by providing unique, comprehensive training. Support of the Ryan Opera Center is a key part of the mission and growth of LYP as we not only support these talented artists for their skill but also as vibrant young professionals themselves.

  Do you offer a payment plan for my membership fees?

  Yes, monthly payment plans are available in $25 installments for the contribution portion of your membership. Dues are not eligible for payment plans and are not tax-deductible. Payment plans can be arranged only over the phone. Contact the LYP Office at 312.827.5656 to set up your payment plan.

  My employer offers to match charitable contributions. Can I count that toward my LYP membership?

  Yes, depending on your employer’s policy, the contribution portion of your membership is fully eligible for a matching gift. Contact your employer to see if your gift qualifies. Matching gifts are an easy way to potentially double, if not triple, your contribution and unlock even more access.

  Can I make a contribution beyond the highest membership level?

  Yes! With any cumulative gift of $300 or more, you will enjoy the donor engagement opportunities at the LYP Associate level as well as those of a Lyric annual donor. Find out how to expand your support for Lyric and the Ryan Opera Center by exploring the LYP Sponsorship opportunities section of our webpage.

• Programming and Events

  What type of programming does LYP offer?

  Aside from discounted tickets to Lyric performances aligned with our Medley Social Series, we engage our members through educational programming such as our Cocktails & Conversation series, professional networking opportunities with other Chicagoland young professional organizations, volunteer opportunities, and unique social events such as our marqee annual Halloween Masquerade fundraiser in the fall!

  Are these events free if I’m a member?

  Yes, a number of exclusive events hosted by LYP are free for members at the LYP Member level and above. Additionally, LYP members have access to discounted tickets to Lyric fundraising events, like the Halloween Masquerade.

  Can I bring a friend to an LYP event who’s not a member?

  Of course! As part of our mission to build the next generation of Lyric supporters, we encourage you to bring your friends and introduce them to Lyric. Guest fees may apply.

  When’s your next event?

  Check out our events page or visit our Facebook page to see our upcoming events. We’d love for you to join us!

  What’s the Halloween Masquerade?

  It's a party with a purpose! Halloween Masquerade is the Lyric Young Professionals’ marquee fall fundraising event. Benefiting the Ryan Opera Center, this event welcomes more than 300 exquisitely costumed guests to the opera house for an extravagant evening of live music, dancing, and indulging with Chicago’s elite. Check out pictures from the 2018 masquerade on our Facebook page.

  It sounds like you offer a lot of programming. What is the best way to stay up-to-date with everything going on?

  LYP members at all levels receive monthly e-newsletters highlighting upcoming LYP events and volunteer opportunities.

• Staying Connected

  Can I follow LYP on social media?

  Yes! We’re a young professionals group. Social media is our middle name!* Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date on all things LYP!

  *Social media is not our middle name. We don’t really have a middle name, but if we did, we guess it would be Young, first name Lyric, last name Professionals.

  Where does LYP rank among the other young professional organizations in Chicago?

  We're so happy you asked! LYP was recently named one of the "11 Best Young Professionals Groups in Chicago" by Make it Better.

  Does LYP have visibility beyond the opera house?

  Yes! Check out these publications below:

  "11 Best Young Professionals Groups in Chicago"
  "Arts Groups Tweak Sights, Aiming for a Younger Crowd"
  "Fancy pants: What modern black-tie looks like"
  "Lyric Opera is talking 'bout their generation"
  "Why nonprofits are holding Halloween-themed fundraisers"
  "5 Spooky Shindigs"
  CS Magazine December 2017 Edition
  CS Magazine LYP Halloween Feature

• Medley Subscription Series

  What is the Medley Series?

  A subscription series package offered exclusively to LYP members at the LYP Member level and up. This series allows LYP members to choose from a selection of dates and build a personalized subscription package of three or more operas for $35* each. A minimum of three different opera titles is required to initiate a Medley subscription, and the same title may not appear more than once in a series.

  ^{*One-time $6 subscription order fee not included.
  *$3 - $4 historic building fee per ticket not included.}

  Which performances are included in the Medley subscription series?

  Access the most currently available Medley performance dates here.

  Where will my Medley seats be located?

  Medley subscriptions can be purchased throughout the house, with the following restrictions: No aisle seats; No Main Floor Prime, Main Floor 1, Main Floor 2, Upper Balcony 1, Upper Balcony 2.

  How do I purchase a Medley subscription series?

  Once you are a qualifying member, log in to your account on lyricopera.org. The link to purchase your series will be on your My Account page. 

  Can I bring my friends?

  As a medley subscriber you are entitled to a limited number of additional tickets for friends and family during the course of the year.

  May I exchange my Medley tickets?

  Yes! Free exchanges (made more than 5 days in advance of your performance) are one of the perks of being a subscriber. Exchanges can be made by calling Audience Services at 312.827.5600; your new date must also be a valid LYP Medley series date of the same title. If exchanged fewer than 5 days in advance, fees will apply.

  What if I want to purchase tickets for a performance or production outside of the Medley series?

  As a subscriber, you receive a 10% discount off of the standard ticket price on additional opera and musical tickets during the season. The $35 Medley price does not apply to performances outside of the Medley series.