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and in this region want access to
grand opera, and because they
believe a great city deserves a great
opera company,” Hurley notes.
“Our patrons make it all possible
through their philanthropic invest-
ment in the company. Lyric exists in
collaboration with our audiences
and our donors, and it is an honor
and a privilege to serve this
incredible community.”
Philanthropy in the performing arts is the result of relationship
building, whether the source of the contribution is a corporation, a
foundation, or an individual family. Lyric’s reputation for innova-
tive, personalized fundraising continues to be noted by donors city-
wide. at reputation, says Lawrence DelPilar, senior director of
development, has much to do with “our desire to customize the
donor experience so that the outcome is sincerely memorable and
meaningful for each individual.”
As donors become more invested in the company, their
relationship with Lyric deepens. Meaghan Stainback, philanthropy
officer for e Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center,
frequently sees this process in action: “I find that Ryan Opera
Center donors truly become fans of the artists they support and
follow them all over the world. Our donors get to watch them grow
as performers while they’re here, and it’s a mutual relationship when
they leave. e artists understand that the patrons make it
all possible.”
Gifts of all sizes matter to Lyric “because it’s the collective
power of individual donors who share a passion all acting together
that transforms an organization,” says Angela Larson, director of
annual giving. “Without our donors,” Larson asserts, “it would be
categorically impossible to present
grand opera on the scale we do
at Lyric.”
However, Larson also empha-
sizes that Lyric’s mission goes
beyond what the audience sees on-
stage. “When patrons contribute to
Lyric, they aren’t just supporting the
beautiful performances they see on-
stage. ey’re supporting emerging
artists through the Ryan Opera
Center. ey’re supporting arts education in schools. And they are
helping ensure that Lyric remains embedded in the community
through our Lyric Unlimited efforts.”
Lyric is deeply grateful for all gifts it receives. “Just as it takes an
army of artists and artisans to put on an opera, it takes an army of
supporters to make the season a success — and to pay for it,” says
Stainback. “Any investment in Lyric indicates a patron’s realization
that ticket purchases alone don’t cover the entire cost of producing
grand opera. It also shows that he or she trusts that Lyric will use his
or her donation for the enjoyment of everyone. at donor trust is
something we have to earn every day.”
How important is Lyric to some of our patrons? Larson
recently met a couple who had their first date at Lyric and have been
donors ever since: “Because being in the opera house meant so much
to them and their relationship, he brought her back to the same seats
they sat in for their first date to propose. And of course, she said
‘Yes!’ Now, the young couple is eagerly planning their very own
‘happily ever after’ and is looking forward to bringing their first
child to the opera, although they agreed that it would be a few years
from now.”
“Corporations and foundations contribute to Lyric because we
JEFF ELLIS
DAN REST
Stefan Edlis, a member of the Board of Directors and a production
sponsor, visits with Elizabeth Hurley, Lyric's chief development officer.
Meaghan Stainback (second from right), philanthropy officer, with
Ryan Opera Center Board member Tanja Chevalier (far left) and two
longtime Lyric donors and volunteers, Jorge and Beatriz Iorgulescu.
“Any investment in Lyric indicates
a patron’s realization that ticket purchases
alone don’t cover the entire cost
of producing grand opera.”
— Meaghan Stainback
L Y R I C O P E R A O F C H I C A G O