Lyric Under the Stars

Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Upcoming Dates

Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Lyric Under the Stars

As the sun sets over the Chicago skyline, join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Two North Riverside Plaza for an enchanting evening where music, artistry, exceptional cuisine, and philanthropy come together beneath an open sky in support of Lyric Opera of Chicago.

This year's gala will proudly honor Sylvia Neil in celebration of her extraordinary leadership as Chair of Lyric's Board of Directors, unwavering generosity, and lasting legacy of service. Through her vision, dedication, and passion for the arts, she has helped shape the future of Lyric and inspire generations of patrons, artists, and supporters.

Under the leadership of Women's Board President Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and Gala Chair Anne Edwards, this signature event continues the Women's Board's proud tradition of philanthropy, leadership, and steadfast commitment to the future of Lyric.

As twilight settles over the city and the music begins, we hope you'll join us for an unforgettable evening beneath the stars.

If you would like to sponsor Lyric Under the Stars, please reach out to [email protected] or call 312.827.5676.

  • Location: Two North Riverside Plaza
  • Dress code: Black tie
  • Women’s Board President: Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel
  • Gala Chair: Anne Edwards
  • Honorary Gala Chair: Sylvia Neil

Explore sponsorship opportunities

$100,000

Celestial Sponsor

Celestial Sponsor

($95,600 tax-deductible)

  • Premium tables for 16 guests to the Lyric Under the Stars celebration.
  • Complimentary valet parking at Two North Riverside Plaza.
  • Name or logo recognition on the invitation, menu card, website, and projected on the Civic Opera House wall during the event.

$75,000

Galactic Sponsor

Galactic Sponsor

($72,250 tax-deductible)

  • Premium table for 10 guests to the Lyric Under the Stars celebration.
  • Complimentary valet parking at Two North Riverside Plaza.
  • Name or logo recognition on the invitation, menu card, website, and projected on the Civic Opera House wall during the event.

$50,000

Cosmic Sponsor

Cosmic Sponsor

($47,800 tax-deductible)

  • Table for 8 guests to the Lyric Under the Stars celebration.
  • Complimentary valet parking at Two North Riverside Plaza.
  • Name recognition on the invitation, menu card, and website.

$25,000

Supernova Sponsor

Supernova Sponsor

($23,350 tax-deductible)

  • Table for 6 guests to the Lyric Under the Stars celebration.
  • Complimentary valet parking at Two North Riverside Plaza.
  • Name recognition on the menu card and website.

$10,000

Nova Sponsor

Nova Sponsor

($9,450 tax-deductible)

  • Table for 2 guests to the Lyric Under the Stars celebration.
  • Complimentary valet parking at Two North Riverside Plaza.
  • Name recognition on the website.

RSVP

Interested in individual tickets? Please check this box and we will be in touch with individual ticket availability.
Preferred payment option *

Due to IRS regulations, Lyric is unable to accept Donor Advised Fund grants as payments for any portion, including the charitable portion, of an event ticket. Grants from a Donor Advised Fund will be processed as a non-attending contribution to the Ryan Opera Center Gala. Sponsorships are tax-deductible less the fair market value of any benefits offered. If any benefits are utilized, then the full value of the benefits associated with your sponsorship level will be reflected on your receipt. Donations made in lieu of attendance are fully tax-deductible. Please call the Boards Office at 312.827.5676 or email [email protected] with any questions.

A thank you to our Sponsors

$100,000 Celestial Sponsors

Anne & Don Edwards

Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel & John H. Krehbiel, Jr.

Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel

Patrick G. & Shirley W. Ryan

Penelope R. Steiner, in honor of Sylvia Neil

Lisbeth Stiffel

$75,000 Galactic Sponsors

$50,000 Cosmic Sponsors

Rebecca & Lester Knight

Cathy & Bill Osborn

Scott & Nancy Santi

$25,000 Supernova Sponsors

Linda Brummer-Welsh & Michael Welsh

Amy & Paul Carbone, in honor of Sylvia Neil

Margarita Chavez Tatro & Mark Tatro

Caroline & Charlie Huebner

Philip G. Lumpkin

Brendan & Suzanne Mulshine

Dr. Ross Slotten & Ted A. Grady

Nasrin & Mark Thierer, in honor of Sylvia Neil

$10,000 Nova Sponsors

Marie Campbell, in honor of Anne Edwards

Harris Family Foundation

Annie & Gregory K. Jones

Chris & Eileen Murphy

Mr. & Mrs. Alejandro Silva

Segal Family Foundation

The deadline for sponsors to be featured on the printed gala invite is July 17, 2026.

The deadline for sponsors to be featured on gala print materials is September 18, 2026.

Photo credits: Todd Rosenberg, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Robert Kusel