Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Lyric Under the Stars
On October 3, 2026, Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomed 250 guests to Lyric Under the Stars, an extraordinary evening celebrating the opening of Lyric's 2026/27 Season and honoring Sylvia Neil for her remarkable leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Led by Women's Board President Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and Gala Chair Anne Edwards, the evening brought together Lyric's dedicated supporters, sponsors, and friends for a memorable celebration of music, artistry, and philanthropy.
Set against the breathtaking Chicago skyline at Two North Riverside Plaza, guests enjoyed an elegant dinner, extraordinary performances by acclaimed artists Lawrence Brownlee and Zoie Reams, and dancing beneath the stars. Stunning architectural projections illuminated the Civic Opera House, creating a spectacular backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
Through the remarkable generosity of our sponsors and supporters, Lyric Under the Stars raised more than $1.7 million in support of Lyric Opera of Chicago and its mission to bring exceptional opera and artistic experiences to our community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors, and all who joined us in making this evening such a tremendous success. Your partnership and commitment to Lyric continue to make extraordinary moments like these possible.
Relive the highlights of Lyric Under the Stars in our event reel below.
- Location: Two North Riverside Plaza
- Women’s Board President: Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel
- Gala Chair: Anne Edwards
- Honorary Gala Chair: Sylvia Neil
2026 Sizzle Reel
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
Lois & Stephen Eisen
Rebecca & Lester Knight
Cathy & Bill Osborn
Scott & Nancy Santi
$25,000 Supernova Sponsors
Molly & Roman Boed
Linda Brummer-Welsh & Michael Welsh
Amy & Paul Carbone, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Cartier
FTI Consulting, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Margarita Chavez Tatro & Mark Tatro
Caroline & Charlie Huebner
Philip G. Lumpkin, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Brendan & Suzanne Mulshine
Gael Neeson & Edlis Neeson Foundation, in Honor of Sylvia Neil
Alice and John Sabl
Nancy S. Searle, in honor of Sylvia Neil and Anne Edwards
Dr. Ross Slotten & Ted A. Grady
Nasrin & Mark Thierer, in honor of Sylvia Neil
$10,000 Nova Sponsors
Susan Blankenbaker Noyes
Marie Campbell, in honor of Anne Edwards
Greg & Mamie Case
Harris Family Foundation
James & Deborah Fellowes, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Sarah & John Garvey
Ambassador & Mrs. Ronald J. Gidwitz
Hannah & Brett Harrison
Annie & Gregory K. Jones
J. Maggie Li & Stephen Dunbar
Lynne & Paul McDonough
Steven F. Molo, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Allan & Elaine Muchin, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Carrie & Ryan Murphy
Chris & Eileen Murphy
Chris & Laurie Nielsen
Greg & Mary O’Brien Pearlman
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Oberlander, in honor of Sylvia Neil
David & Sheila Ormesher, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Penny Pritzker & Bryan Traubert
Joseph Rubinelli, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Cari & Michael J. Sacks, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Mr. & Mrs. Alejandro Silva
Segal Family Foundation
Roberta L. Washlow & Robert J. Washlow, in honor of Sylvia Neil
Photo credits: Todd Rosenberg, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Robert Kusel