Lyric Opera 2024-2025 Issue 10 - Rising Stars in Concert

17 | Lyric Opera of Chicago Michael Brosilow SOPHIA MAEKAWA Since I moved to the United States for college, I’ve dreamed of joining the Ryan Opera Center. I still remember the Final Auditions like it was yesterday — arriving in Chicago and immediately falling in love with the city and its gorgeous opera house. Through the program’s high-level training, I’ve gained many valuable tools and developed my artistic identity. Coming from Japan and its different culture, a major task was to come out of my shell and be more comfortable openly expressing myself. I am so thankful for the opportunities to perform on the Lyric stage, especially the role of Tisbe in Cinderella . It grounded me as a singer and allowed me to explore my acting — and I had the best time! I cannot express how grateful I am for the guidance and support of the Ryan Opera Center’s faculty, administration, my sponsors, and my colleagues. They all have made a huge impact on my development and career path, which I hope leads me back to Chicago very soon! Liz Lauren IAN RUCKER I have always been enamored with Chicago and known that it was going to be important to me, so it’s been especially meaningful to make the city my home and cultivate my artistry at Lyric. The past three years in the Ryan Opera Center have been the experience of a lifetime: the incredible training and performing activities have helped me significantly elevate my skills, and I’ve been encouraged to sing with MY natural and unique voice. Through the support of my colleagues, coaches, and mentors, I’ve felt able to be open and vulnerable. That isn’t easy and can be scary, but I have never felt more comfortable in my own skin, wholly accepted as the person and artist that I am. For that and so much more that I have gained from my time here, I am thankful beyond words. Sophia Maekawa portrayed Tisbe in last season’s Cinderella . Ian Rucker stepped in as the Count for The Marriage of Figaro dress rehearsal.