58 / 74
RENÉ
BARBERA
Teatro alla Scala
Don Pasquale
J’NAI
BRIDGES
Opernhaus Zürich
La forza del destino
Alumni Perform at
Lyric — and Around
the World — in 2017/18
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago is recognized as one of the premier
professional artist-development programs in the world. To make a gift in support of the Ryan Opera Center’s efforts,
or for more information, please visit
lyricopera.org/ryanoperacenter, or call Meaghan Stainback at 312.827.5691.
ANDRIANA CHUCHMAN
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Eurydice/
Orphée et Eurydice
I have a plethora of fond memories of my time in the Ryan Opera
Center. Singing Valencienne in
The Merry Widow
(2009/10, pictured)
in my third year was a particularly defining moment for me. I knew
I’d been given an incredible opportunity to sing a leading role, and I
needed tomake the most of it. Singing (and dancing!) my way through
the rehearsals and performances was exhilarating, and brought me to
the realization that I was ready to leave my Ryan Opera Center “nest”
and embark on what I hoped to be an exciting career. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had this
space to thrive as a singer and artist, guided and nurtured by world-class coaches and teachers.
Being directly tied to one of the world’s top opera companies allowed me to observe and learn from
major stars, either as their understudies or performing alongside them. I also forged some lifelong
friendships. I’m filled with gratitude to the Ryan Opera Center and to its generous donors who
support young, up-and-coming artists and make it possible for such an extraordinary place to exist.
SUSANNA
PHILLIPS
Metropolitan Opera
La bohème