Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 9 - Madama Butterfly

3 | Lyric Opera of Chicago 4 WELCOME TO YOUR LYRIC 6 A warm welcome from the Board Chair and General Director 7 Board of Directors 9 The festive Lyric Wine Auction returns this spring, raising a glass — and significant funds — to support the company’s mission. 12 TODAY’S PERFORMANCE 15 Title page and cast 16 Synopsis 18 Opera Notes: This innovative production of Madama Butterfly delivers all the glory of the Puccini score — and opens our eyes to new ways of seeing the characters. 22 Artist profiles 28 Orchestra and Chorus In this issue Madama Butterfly | pp. 12-29 30 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 32 Bravissimi 34 Production sponsors 35 Supporting our future — endowments at Lyric 36 Ardis Krainik Society 40 Corporate partnerships 42 Aria Society 46 Annual individual and foundation support 52 Commemorative gifts 54 Lyric staff 59 Artistic roster 56 RYAN OPERA CENTER 58 Distinguished alumni perform all over the globe. 60 LYRIC UNLIMITED 62 Explore Your Lyric day offers a chance for fans of all ages to peek behind the curtain (and maybe learn some circus tricks, too). 64 People of Lyric: The Front of House Manager creates a sunny welcome for each performance and (literally) opens doors for everyone. Philip Groshong / Cincinnati Opera On the cover: Karah Son in the title role. Photo: John Shaw/Lyric Opera of Chicago