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4
CREAT I VE CONSULTANT ’ S ME S SAGE
It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of Lyric Opera of
Chicago’s 60th Anniversary Season as its Creative Consultant.
I made my Lyric debut in 1993 singing the title role in Carlisle Floyd’s
Susannah
, and as
this great company celebrated its 60th Anniversary, I was thrilled to be part of this
wonderful milestone.
To celebrate this auspicious occasion, on Saturday, November 1, 2014, I joined my friend,
Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Jane Lynch (
Glee, Hollywood Game Night
), who
served as the master of ceremonies for the 60th Anniversary Concert, with a galaxy of stars
and the matchless Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra. I loved singing “Somewhere Over the
Rainbow” with jazz legend Ramsey Lewis, and sharing the stage with the hilarious cast of The
Second City, for an evening that celebrated Lyric’s pre-eminent place among the astounding
riches of Chicago’s cultural life.
Leading up to the anniversary gala, it was a pleasure to be at Lyric singing Countess Madeleine
in Richard Strauss’s
Capriccio
, one of my favorite roles (my ninth at Lyric). As always at Lyric,
we had a world-class cast, which included Bo Skovhus, Anne Sofie Von Otter, Peter Rose, and
William Burden, and Sir Andrew Davis conducted the Lyric Opera Orchestra.
As part of my role with Lyric, I have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of
opera lovers. On every trip to Chicago, I try to incorporate a visit with the Lyric Young
Professionals. I have also worked with students at local music schools. These talented young
individuals are the future, and I enjoy sharing my love for music with them. To insure that arts
education is part of the Chicago Public Schools curriculum, I have helped launch and promote
the CPS Arts Education Plan, in collaboration with Mayor Emanuel, Yo-Yo Ma, and Damien
Woetzel and beyond.
Another rewarding role for me is that of Advisor to the Ryan Opera Center. This top-notch
training program nurtures young artists on the verge of major careers, and this is where we will
find the new stars who will keep audiences coming to the opera house.
On a sorrowful note, I was deeply saddened by the loss of Ken Pigott, who was my mentor,
cheerleader, and hero. Ken was a rarity among heads of major cultural institutions, with an
abiding love for the art form, inexhaustible creativity and energy, and absolute dedication to
making Lyric Opera of Chicago the great North American opera company of the 21st century.
Finally, I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude to the “Renée Brigade” for their continued,
generous support in making my role at Lyric possible.
Renée Fleming
Creative Consultant
René e F l em i ng I n i t i at i ve
S ponsor s
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. John V. Crowe
The Crown Family
Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomas Hurvis
Richard P. and Susan Kiphart
John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols
Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance
Renée Fleming coaches Ryan Opera Center Ensemble member Laura Wilde at a master class.
Renée Fleming performs with Ramsey Lewis at Lyric’s 60th Anniversary Concert..