Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 12 - Rising Stars

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 12 Robert Kusel CHRISTOPHER HUMBERT, JR. My time in the Ryan Opera Center has been deeply meaningful and memorable, and I will truly miss it. I have been so blessed with opportunities to sing in the most riveting concerts and productions, performing alongside the most prolific operatic stars. I thank everyone for allowing me to witness firsthand how professionals work at the highest level. At the same time, the Ryan Opera Center provided a safe, nurturing environment where I could explore and develop my voice and artistic identity. The program challenged me to grow, expanded and elevated my capabilities, and helped highlight my strengths while supporting the areas where I needed improvement. It’s an experience that has shaped me both as a singer and as an artist, and one for which I will remain deeply grateful for the rest of my life. Todd Rosenberg ADIA EVANS Three years ago, I wouldn’t have believed that one day I would call this legendary opera house my workplace. I will always be deeply grateful to the Lyric team for seeing something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself and for including me in this class of incredible artists. They inspire me every day and have shaped my development and growth. Being in this program has not only taught me how to be a better artist, but it’s also given me the courage to dream bigger, to trust my voice, and to step fully into my artistic identity. Thank you all for every word of encouragement and every moment of discovery and music making. My heart is filled with gratitude for the many memories of this place and the people here, which I’ll carry with me forever. Thank you. MARINETTE GOMEZ Being part of the Ryan Opera Center as the Ensemble Stage Director has truly been life-changing. From working with some of the most fascinating, creative, and inspiring directors of our day, to learning from the best stage managers and assistant directors in the business, this experience has been fruitful in ways I never could have imagined. It has encompassed deep conversations after a hard rehearsal, long nights of paperwork, creatively driven rehearsals, and work scaled from one or two singers to massive rehearsals with the chorus. Participating in all of that and more has had a major impact on my growth as an artist, and I’ll hold on to these memories and lessons for the rest of my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been here and to have worked with such exceptional people. With a special shoutout to the Lyric production staff, I thank you all! Lyric Opera of Chicago SANKARA HAROUNA It has been a source of immense joy for me, a native Chicagoan, to be able to return home to join the Ryan Opera Center. From intensive coaching sessions to observing world-class artists in action, this experience has fostered both my personal and professional growth. I have discovered a beautiful resilience in vulnerability and gained the tools to overcome fear and adversity. This program has truly prepared me for my future, and I am deeply thankful for the community at Lyric. I also feel incredibly fortunate to have shared this journey with such a stellar cohort — my fellow Ensemble members are top-tier artists who have inspired me to be the best colleague and friend I can be. My sincerest gratitude to everyone involved for all you’ve done for me. Todd Rosenberg Christopher Humbert, Jr. in Madama Butterfly. Sankara Harouna, left, in Rigoletto, with Igor Golovatenko.