When the great Yiddish author Sholom Aleichem created Tevye the Dairyman in a series of short stories first published in 1884, he never could have imagined that 80 years on, Tevye would become an iconic character of stage and screen. It nearly didn’t happen, because some producers originally considered the story and characters of Fiddler […]
Some of the Chicago-area’s most generous philanthropists gathered for the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “Lyric Under the Stars” fundraiser, their first in-person gathering since the onstart of the pandemic. The sold-out event, held Sept. 25, drew 250 supporters to celebrate the Lyric’s return to live performances, and raised $1.8 million gross dollars. Gala Chairwoman Karen […]
Calling all opera, wine, food and travel lovers—aka everyone! (The committee behind the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Women’s Board Wine Auction, a fundraising initiative that has raised more than $11 million for Lyric since 1988, is urging those with an ability to do so to join in on a “social distancing campaign” in support of […]
In 1993, Lyric Opera of Chicago audiences first experienced the magic of Renée Fleming as she stepped onstage to sing the title role in Carlisle Floyd’s “Susannah.” With her undeniable presence, ability to transform into a character, and rich, melodic voice, Ms. Fleming quickly became known in the opera world and beyond as “The People’s […]
The Lyric Opera Women’s Board hosted its 30th Anniversary Wine Auction on April 14. Since its inception in 1988, this triennial event has raised more than $11 million for Lyric Opera of Chicago programs and initiatives. This year’s event was co-chaired by Keith Kiley Goldstein and Women’s Board President Nancy Searle. Shirley W. Ryan was […]
Wanderlust abounds, especially in the Chicagoland area after a long, gray winter. Rather than throwing a dart at a wall map, find your next once-in-a-lifetime travel experience in an unexpected place. Just because “Wine Auction” is the name of the event, doesn’t mean wine is the only thing up for auction that evening. Lyric Opera […]
Where there’s a browser, there’s a way! Auctions are no longer limited to one evening affairs where you’re out of luck if you’re out of town or otherwise engaged. With the help of technology, wine, travel, and auction lovers around the globe have the ability to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences and rare, collectable bottles of wine. […]
Listening to opera is not for everyone, this much is true. But far too many people exempt themselves from the glitz and glamour of a live opera performance because they’re afraid they won’t like it — or worse, won’t understand it and risk looking like a hayseed. Use this helpful guide to find out which […]
When American novelist Ann Patchett watched news of a four-month siege of the Japanese embassy in Lima, Peru, by young rebels in 1996, she saw its potential as a compelling story and used it as the template for her multiple award-winning 2001 novel, “Bel Canto.” The siege had begun during a large party and to […]
The definition of daunting: the chance to sit down with one of your favorite living authors. I was lucky enough to have that opportunity recently when award-winning author Ann Patchett was in town for the Dec. 7 world premiere of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “Bel Canto,” an original opera based on her luminous 2001 book. It […]
