March 12, 2021
Behind the scenes of the Ryan Opera Center gala
On Sunday, March 21, members of the 2020/21 Ensemble of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center will bring their talents to the digital stage in Magical Music Around the World. For the first time in its history, the Ryan Opera Center's annual fundraising gala performance will be available for music lovers to stream free of charge on Facebook and YouTube, thanks to the event's sponsors. The concert features popular music, classic songs, and operatic repertoire all themed around magic. Ryan Opera Center Music Director Craig Terry is the mastermind behind the event and will serve as host and principal pianist. Keep scrolling to take a special look at the filming of this virtual concert, following strict safety protocols, in the Mason Rehearsal Hall.
First-year tenor Martin Luther Clark dazzles during the filming of Magical Music Around the World at the Lyric Opera House.
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble pianist Chris Reynolds performs a four-hand medley with Craig Terry, Ryan Opera Center music director and host of Magical Music Around the World.
First-year soprano Maria Novella Malfatti performs with Ryan Opera Center Music Director Craig Terry on piano.
Chicago's HMS Media films a closeup of third-year baritone Ricardo José Rivera. Magical Music Around the World is Rivera's fourth digital concert this season. You can also see him in Sole e Amore and Pasión Latina, now streaming on Lyric's Facebook and YouTube channels.
Thanks to comprehensive testing and social distancing, artists could sing a limited number of duets. For many Ensemble members, these were the first in-person performances with other singers since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Here, second-year artists Kathleen Felty (mezzo-soprano) and Anthony Reed (bass) perform "Tango magique," a song made famous by French singer Tino Rossi.
While rehearsing and filming at the Lyric Opera House, all staff, artists, and film crews are required to follow strict COVID-19 health and safety precautions. Here, Craig Terry looks on while pianist Chris Reynolds performs with fellow Ensemble members.
First-year tenor Lunga Eric Hallam plays the djembe while singing a song from his native South Africa.
First-year mezzo-soprano Katherine Beck during the filming of Magical Music Around the World backstage at Lyric.
First-year soprano Denis Vélez receives performance notes from Ryan Opera Center Music Director Craig Terry.
First-year mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung and third-year bass-baritone David Weigel playfully reach out to one another while performing Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn's popular song "It's Magic." Written for and popularized by the late, great Doris Day, the song received an Academy Award nomination for Best Song in 1949.
First-year baritone Leroy Davis shares a laugh with Ryan Opera Center Music Director Craig Terry between takes of Magical Music Around the World.
Tune in to the free digital premiere of Magical Music Around the World on Lyric's Facebook and YouTube channels beginning at 6pm CT on Sunday, March 21.
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. If you'd like to support the artists of tomorrow, please make a gift today.