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

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 26 Herbert Handt 1974–1977 Renée Fleming leads a master class with Will Liverman in April 2013. A Shining Star: Renée Fleming The stellar singer continues to offer her insight — and inspiration — to the Ensemble. The world-renowned American soprano became Lyric Opera of Chicago’s first-ever creative consultant in December 2010, and three years later she was named advisor to the Ryan Opera Center — the beginning of an exceptional involvement that has immeasurably benefited the program. Along with innovations like a partnership with The Second City comedy company, Fleming has led inspiring master classes, hosted individual coaching sessions, and provided invaluable counsel to our emerging artists. She is currently the Ryan Opera Center’s Advisor-at-Large. Lyric wishes to express its deep and ongoing gratitude for her contributions. Richard Pearlman 1995–2006 Gianna Rolandi 2006–2013 Lee Schaenen 1977–1991 Andrew Foldi 1991–1995 Good Direction: Past Leaders These inspiring individuals served as Directors of the Ryan Opera Center, guiding the Ensemble’s emerging talent and ensuring the program’s world-class status. Handt led the effort to enroll 10 up-and-coming American singers as the first cohort of the program, then called the Lyric Opera School. A lyric tenor and conductor, Handt had performed with great success in European houses throughout the 1950s, and debuted at Lyric as the Captain in Wozzeck in 1965. The renowned American conductor, formerly a principal coach at New York City Opera, debuted on the Lyric podium in 1958 with Il trovatore . Formerly an assistant to Herbert von Karajan at La Scala and in Berlin, Schaenen launched the center’s innovative Composer- in-Residence program. The acclaimed bass- baritone — a hit as Schigolch in Alban Berg’s Lulu at Lyric in the 1987/88 Season — becomes Director of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists upon Schaenen’s retirement. Foldi sang 22 different roles at Lyric between 1954 and 1993. Longtime director of opera at the Eastman School of Music, the veteran educator and director made his Lyric debut with La Bohème in 1982. His tenure is marked by the expansion of the audition process and the launch of numerous significant careers. After serving as Director of Vocal Studies starting in 2002, Rolandi is appointed Director of the program in 2006. At Lyric, the soprano made her debut in the 1986/87 Season as Dorinda in Orlando . During her tenure, the program is renamed The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center in recognition of a transformative gift. With gratitude