Fête du Soleil

February 17, 2026

Tuesday
02/17/2026
5:30 PM

RSVP

February 17, 2026

Ryan Opera Center Gala 2026

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center’s 11th annual gala, Fête du Soleil, will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at The Casino Club. It will feature an amazing performance of operatic and popular music by Ryan Opera Center Ensemble artists and Music Director Craig Terry.

Powerhouse baritone and Ryan Opera Center alumnus Quinn Kelsey will join the festivities, following his return to Lyric this season as Alfio/Tonio in Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci.

The performance will be followed by an elegant seated dinner with artists and special guests.

New this season: All sponsorships will include premium seating and a pre-concert dinner and post-concert reception at Rising Stars in Concert on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

 

Ryan Opera Center 11th Annual Gala
Tuesday, February 17, 2026

5:30 PM Cocktails
6:00 PM Performance and Dinner

RSVP now

  • Location: The Casino Club of Chicago, 195 East Delaware Place

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Lisbeth Stiffel

Lead Sponsors

Amy & Paul Carbone

Patricia A. Kenney & Gregory J. O’Leary

Penelope R. Steiner

Gold Sponsors

Philip G. Lumpkin

Ted Reichardt & Emilysue Pinnell Reichardt

Richard O. Ryan

Nasrin & Mark Thierer

Silver Sponsors

Nancy Dehmlow

Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation

Julian Oettinger

Ms. Gay K. Stanek

Michael & Salme Harju Steinberg

Bronze Sponsors

Anonymous

Jonathan Becker

Fred & Phoebe Boelter

Erika Erich

David & Janet Fox

Jennifer Malpass

Jean McLaren & John Nitschke

Cherilyn G. Murer

Sylvia Neil & Dan Fischel

Phyllis Neiman

Dr. Ross Slotten & Ted A. Grady

Cynthia Vahlkamp & Robert Kenyon

Dr. David H. Whitney & Dr. Juliana Chyu

Sponsorship levels

$125,000

Presenting Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

  • Recognition as a Presenting Sponsor
  • Table for 10 at the Ryan Opera Center Gala on Tuesday, February 17
  • 10 Premier Tickets to Rising Stars in Concert including the pre-performance dinner and a post-toast with the Ensemble on Saturday, April 25
  • Photo with the 2025/26 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble at the Gala and Rising Stars in Concert
  • $120,000 tax-deductible
RSVP

$50,000

Lead Sponsor

Lead Sponsor

  • Recognition as a Lead Sponsor
  • Table for 10 at the Ryan Opera Center Gala on Tuesday, February 17
  • 8 Premier Tickets to Rising Stars in Concert including the pre-performance dinner and a post-toast with the Ensemble on Saturday, April 25
  • Photo with the 2025/26 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble at the Gala
  • $45,500 tax-deductible
RSVP

$25,000

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

  • Recognition as a Gold Sponsor
  • Table for 8 at the Ryan Opera Center Gala on Tuesday, February 17
  • 4 Premier Tickets to Rising Stars in Concert including the pre-performance dinner and a post-toast with the Ensemble on Saturday, April 25
  • $22,000 tax-deductible
RSVP

$15,000

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

  • Recognition as a Silver Sponsor
  • 4 Tickets to the Ryan Opera Center Gala on Tuesday, February 17
  • 2 Prime Tickets to Rising Stars in Concert including the pre-performance dinner and a post-toast with the Ensemble on Saturday, April 25
  • $13,500 tax-deductible
RSVP

$2,500

Bronze Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

  • Recognition as a Bronze Sponsor
  • 1 Ticket to the Ryan Opera Center Gala on Tuesday, February 17
  • 1 Prime Ticket to Rising Stars in Concert including the pre-performance dinner and a post-toast with the Ensemble on Saturday, April 25
  • $2,000 tax-deductible
RSVP

RSVP

Reserve today! Space is limited.

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.

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center

Learn more about the Ryan Opera Center.

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