Faculty and guest artists
A notable roster of faculty and guest artists provide Ryan Opera Center Ensemble members with comprehensive training that prepares the artists for successful careers. Their unparalleled training includes master classes and private coachings with Ryan Opera Center Advisor Renée Fleming, Lyric Opera of Chicago Music Director Sir Andrew Davis, and other celebrated artists; voice lessons, acting, movement, and audition classes with distinguished instructors; intensive language instruction; and repertoire coaching from acclaimed resident staff.
Voice instruction
Robert and Ellen Marks
Vocal Studies Program
Endowed Chair
in honor of Gianna Rolandi
Julia Faulkner
W. Stephen Smith
Guest master artists
Deborah Birnbaum
Sir Andrew Davis
Renée Fleming
Enrique Mazzola
Gerald Martin Moore
Patricia Racette
Stefano Sarzani
Coaching staff
William C. Billingham
Christina Giuca
Alan Darling
Laurann Gilley
Celeste Rue
Eric Weimer
Pedro Yanez
Foreign language instruction
Irina Feoktistova
Julia Savoie Klein
Derek Matson
Klára Moldová
Sharon Peterson
Marina Vecci
Alessandra Visconti
Melissa Wittmeier
Acting & movement instruction
Omer Ben Seadia
Louisa Muller
Performance psychology
Orit Carpenter
Beth Clayton
Guest lecturer & consultant
Roger Pines
Staff
Dan Novak
Director, The Ryan Opera Center Board Endowed Chair
Craig Terry
Music Director, The Jannotta Family Endowed Chair
Julia Faulkner
Director of Vocal Studies, The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation
Renée Fleming
Advisor
Emma Scherer
Manager
Annika Donnen
Associate Librarian
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Board of Directors
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Board is led by longtime Lyric supporter, Donna Van Eekeren. Since its inception in 1974, the Ryan Opera Center has been recognized as one of the premier professional artist development programs in the world. Each season, several current and former Ensemble members perform important roles in Lyric's mainstage productions. The Board takes great pride in helping to nurture the talents of the best emerging artists of the next generation.
Master Classes with Sir Andrew Davis
Master Classes with Sir Andrew Davis
Lyric takes you behind the scenes as Music Director Sir Andrew Davis leads a series of one-on-one master classes with Ensemble members of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, one of the premier professional artist-development programs in the world. Working with the artists on one of his favorite operas, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, Maestro Davis shares detailed insights to help them prepare for international careers.
Provide the stars of tomorrow with your support today
Provide the stars of tomorrow with your support today
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center prepares emerging singers and pianists for careers in opera by providing unique, comprehensive training. Your gift helps offset the expense of maintaining the high quality of Lyric’s stellar professional artist-development program.
Photo: Kyle Flubacker