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2014/15
1
At the start of the 2014/15 season, Kenneth G. Pigott was in his fourth year as President of Lyric’s
Board of Directors. All of us were stunned and profoundly saddened by Ken’s sudden death on
February 13, 2015. When I agreed to reassume the position of Interim President and CEO in
addition to my position as Chairman of the Board for the duration of the season, I did so with a
heavy heart, but with the desire to see through to fruition numerous projects which Ken and the
entire Lyric Board had embarked.
Wisdom, commitment, dedication, and generosity made Ken an exceptional Board leader.
Those qualities were combined with an extraordinary passion for and knowledge of the art form
of opera. Ken embraced both emotionally and intellectually Lyric’s absolute commitment to
world-class excellence. It would be impossible to overstate his contribution to our organization.
The company’s highest honor, the Carol Fox Award, was bestowed on revered member of the
Executive Committee Sonia Florian, director of the NIB Foundation, and on Ken posthumously,
at the 2015 Annual Meeting. As a tribute to the extraordinary contribution Ken made to the
institution in so many ways, the stage of the Ardis Krainik Theatre has been renamed in perpetuity
The Ken Pigott Stage, ensuring that Ken’s presence will be felt forever at Lyric.
Ken was instrumental in the development of our new strategic plan,
Breaking New Ground
.
This was the result of a strategic planning process to help Lyric achieve continued excellence,
relevance, and fiscal responsibility. Key building blocks were the appointments of Renée Fleming
as Creative Consultant in 2010, Anthony Freud as General Director in 2011, and the extension
of Sir Andrew Davis’s contract as Music Director in 2012 through 2020. Each brought an
extraordinary set of new assets and points of view to layer upon Lyric’s rich history.
Excitement and momentum were palpable under the inspired leadership of Anthony and
Sir Andrew, and with Renée’s vital and ongoing magic touch. The entire company demonstrated
Lyric’s dedication to producing artistic excellence onstage, from the renowned principal artists to
our extraordinary orchestra and chorus.
At the same time, Lyric became more relevant and meaningful to the vast Chicago community
through Lyric Unlimited, which had another dynamic season, broadening our demographic
through inventive programming that speaks to new audiences. Those audiences are not only
becoming larger, they are becoming more diverse. This is an integral part of our mission.
The American Musical Theater Initiative continues to be a vital part of the plan that gives us
the opportunity to showcase iconic works in grand Lyric Opera fashion. In doing so, we are
broadening the company’s fan base by attracting large and new audiences. We were thrilled by
a spectacular new production of
Carousel
. It’s particularly exciting—and gratifying—to note that
more than half of the
Carousel
ticket-buyers were experiencing Lyric for the
first
time.
The number of subscribers grew, responding to great performances and an appealing repertoire.
We are working hard to maintain and grow subscribers, particularly in today’s challenging business
environment when so many of our sister companies are also experiencing a contraction in audiences.
Our donor base also expanded. The annual fundraising campaign was highly successful, exceeding
the $25.4 million goal thanks to the generosity of the Lyric Opera family. The sensational proceeds
for the 60th Anniversary Concert and Diamond Ball and the 2015 Wine Auction reached an
all-time high. Special thanks to the Lyric Women’s Board for their extraordinary effort!
Ongoing financial sustainability is, of course, essential to Lyric’s future. The company’s
Breaking
New Ground
campaign is supporting the strategic initiatives we have put in place and adopted
as integral to our mission. While building the endowment to a level representing best practices,
we must at the same time modernize Lyric’s stage and equipment; update media, marketing, and
audience development programs; produce new and revived major productions of the highest
caliber; and strengthen the balance sheet. We have made tremendous progress in the campaign
in the past two years, having received broad-based and generous support from our Board of
Directors and extended donor family.
Lyric’s Board and management are working diligently to build on the achievements of the past
and to ensure a successful and vibrant future for our company. The entire company displays a
dedication to embracing the priorities laid out in Lyric’s strategic plan. It is paramount to Lyric’s
success that we continue to function in a fiscally responsible manner that maximizes our ability to
create and produce great art.
It is an honor and a privilege to work closely with Lyric’s incredible Board of Directors, whose
leadership, dedication, and expertise are exceptional. Special thanks to Lester Crown, Chairman
of the Executive Committee for 39 years, and the entire Executive Committee; President-Elect
David Ormesher, who is extremely qualified to serve as our next leader; and Vice Presidents James
L. Alexander, Shirley W. Ryan, and William C. Vance, Secretary Donna Van Eekeren, Treasurer
Paul Carbone as well as committee chairs James L. Alexander (Production Sponsorship), Marion
Cameron (Investment), John W. Oleniczak (Audit), Paul Carbone (Finance), Eric S. Smith (Lyric
Unlimited), Brent Gledhill (Innovation), Ruth Ann Gillis (Compensation), and Marsha Cruzan
(Civic Engagement) for their hard work and endless dedication. Our gratitude goes to Craig C.
Martin and Jenner & Block for their counsel and pro bono services throughout the year. Lyric’s solid
reputation is due in large part to the dedication, generosity, and leadership from its steadfast Board
of Directors, and all six volunteer boards.
PRE S I DENT ’ S L ETTER
Lyric’s Board of Directors and management are working
diligently to build on the achievements of the past and to
ensure a successful and vibrant future for our company.
Richard P. Kiphart
, Chairman of the Board,
Interim President, and Chief Executive Officer