As The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center celebrates its 50th anniversary in the 2024/25 Season, we reflect on where it all began.
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Rising Stars in Concert 50th Anniversary
April 25. 2025
Upcoming Dates
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April 25. 2025
Rising Stars in Concert 50th Anniversary
Join us for an extraordinary evening celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s premier artist-development program.
This milestone concert features the 2024/25 Ensemble performing with members of the acclaimed Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola and directed by Paul Curran.
The program will include selections from Jacques Offenbach’s opera Orpheus in the Underworld, a delightful and satirical masterpiece that reimagines the classic Greek myth with wit, charm, and Offenbach’s signature "can-can" music. The concert also features additional repertoire to showcase the Ensemble’s wide-ranging talents.
As a special part of the celebration, alumni from the program’s five-decade history will be in attendance and recognized for their contributions to the art form.
Experience the artistry of tomorrow’s opera stars as they demonstrate the exceptional and unparalleled training that defines the Ryan Opera Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate its incredible legacy and bright future. Reserve your seats now!
- Location: Lyric Opera House
Articles
Members of the 2024/25 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble reflect on their time at Lyric as they prepare for their final performance in the program. See them onstage in "Rising Stars in Concert" on April 25.
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This season marks the 50th anniversary of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. Here’s a brief retrospective of highlights of this extraordinary program’s evolution.
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Artists
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Adia Evans
Soprano
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Gemma Nha
Soprano
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Emily Richter
Soprano
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Lucy Baker
Mezzo-Soprano
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Sophia Maekawa
Mezzo-Soprano
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Daniel Luis Espinal
Tenor
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Travon D. Walker
Tenor
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Sankara Harouna
Baritone
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Ian Rucker
Baritone
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Finn Sagal
Baritone
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Christopher Humbert, Jr.
Bass-Baritone
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Michael Banwarth
Pianist
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Chi-Yuan Lin
Conductor
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Marinette Gomez
Stage Director
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Gemma DeCetra
Stage Manager
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Enrique Mazzola
Conductor
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Paul Curran
Director
Program
Go inside this production with engaging articles, farewells, artist bios, and more.
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Sponsors
Ryan Opera Center’s 50th Anniversary Season is presented by Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan, Lisbeth Stiffel and the Donna Van Eekeren Foundation with support from Lead Sponsors Amy & Paul Carbone, Nancy Dehmlow, Patricia Frank, Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation, Philip G. Lumpkin, Frank B. Modruson & Lynne C. Shigley, Dr. Scholl Foundation, the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Nasrin & Mark Thierer, and Cynthia Vahlkamp & Robert Kenyon.
Ryan Opera Center’s 50th Anniversary Golden Celebrations are generously sponsored by Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary, Jean McLaren & John Nitschke, Ted Reichardt & Emilysue Pinnell Reichardt, Richard O. Ryan, and Ms. Gay K. Stanek with major support provided by Cartier, Pamela Crutchfield, Mike & Margo Oberman, Julian Oettinger, and Michael & Salme Harju Steinberg. Additional 50th Anniversary gifts by an Anonymous Donor, Robert & Isabelle Bass Foundation, Inc., Queta Rodriguez Bauer & Ron Bauer, Ron & Peggy Beata, Jonathan Becker, Fred & Phoebe Boelter, Margarita Chavez & Mark Tatro, Erika Erich, Lafayette J. Ford/Northern Trust, David & Janet Fox, Erika Gross, Mary Houston, Caroline & Charlie Huebner in honor of Liz Stiffel, Beatriz Iorgulescu, Dr. Nora Jaskowiak & Mr. Matthew Hinerfeld, Mark & Gale Kozloff, Mrs. Catherine Kranz, Dr. Jennifer J. Malpass, Mayer Brown LLP, Sylvia Neil & Dan Fischel, Phyllis Neiman, Nichols Family Foundation, Barbara and Barre Seid Foundation, Dr. Ross Slotten & Ted A. Grady, Roberta L. & Robert J. Washlow, Dr. David H. Whitney & Dr. Juliana Chyu, Debbie K. Wright, and Drs. Joan & Russ Zajtchuk.
Rising Stars in Concert is being recorded for broadcast on 98.7 WFMT and streaming on wfmt.com on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 5pm. The Rising Stars in Concert radio broadcast is generously made possible by the Donna Van Eekeren Foundation.
Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Mary Stowell, and the Zell Family Foundation as members of the Enrique Circle.
Header photo: Kyle Flubacker
