Chicago Voices Concert Raises $2 Million for Lyric Opera

On Feb. 4, the Lyric Opera of Chicago hosted its Chicago Voices Gala Benefit Concert, raising more than $2 million to support general operating funds. Scott and Nancy Santi of Winnetka and Eric and Kim Smith of Evanston, in special collaboration between the Women’s Board and Board of Directors, co-chaired the event. The Ardis Krainik Theatre was filled to capacity for the big night, featuring a special performance by Evanston natives Jessie Mueller (star of Broadway’s “Beautiful”) and Matthew Polenzani (star of Lyric’s recent “Magic Flute”).

The event’s lead sponsor was Liz Stiffel, the supporting sponsor was J. Thomas Hurvis, the lead corporate sponsor was Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and Make It Better was proud to be a gold record sponsor.

Chicago Voices Concert: Eric and Kim Smith of Evanston with Nancy and Scott Santi of Winnetka — Event co-chairs and Platinum Sponsors Eric and Kim Smith of Evanston with event co-chairs and Diamond Sponsors Nancy and Scott Santi of Winnetka in the Rice Grand Foyer. (Photo by Jaclyn Simpson.)

Chicago Voices Concert: Tom Hurvis, Renée Fleming and Anthony Freud — Supporting Sponsor Tom Hurvis of Glenview with Lyric’s creative consultant Renée Fleming (artistic director for the concert) and Anthony Freud, Lyric’s general director. (Photo by Jaclyn Simpson.)

Chicago Voices Concert: Jessie Mueller and Matthew Polenzani — Jessie Mueller and Matthew Polenzani sang “The Prayer” during the concert. (Photo by Cory Weaver.)

Lyric Opera of Chicago's "Carmen" — Money raised at this event will go to general operating funds at Lyric. Pictured: Ekaterina Gubanova and Christian Van Horn in “Carmen,” running through March 25. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg.)

get inspired philanthropy

Better Makers: Chicago Voices Concert Raises $2 Million for Lyric Opera of Chicago