Our talented singers and pianists will whisk you away with a thematic performance of operatic and popular music, led by Grammy-winning Music Director Craig Terry. Thanks to some technological magic, alumni from around the globe will join the evening to share how their careers have benefited from the amazing training and experience they received at the Ryan Opera Center.
We hope you'll join us for this enchanting evening — the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble artists just might leave you spellbound.
Premieres on YouTube and Facebook on Sunday, March 21 at 6:00 pm CT.
About the Ryan Opera Center
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.
Craig Terry
Music Director, Host, and Principal Pianist
The American pianist has an international performance career and recently won a GRAMMY Award for “Best Classical Solo Vocal Album.”
Chris Reynolds
Pianist
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
First-year Ryan Opera Center pianist Chris Reynolds has made a name for himself as both a soloist and a collaborator.
Maria Novella Malfatti
Soprano
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Italian soprano Maria Novella Malfatti, a first-year Ryan Opera Center member, debuted in 2020 at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam as Azema/Semiramide.
Denis Vélez
Soprano
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
First-year Ryan Opera Center soprano Denis Vélez, from Puebla, Mexico, holds a bachelor’s degree in operatic singing from Mexico’s Superior School of Music.
Katherine Beck
Mezzo-Soprano
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Originally from Bennington, Vermont, first-year Ryan Opera Center mezzo-soprano Katherine Beck has been recognized for her unique sound and honest performances throughout the United States.
Katherine DeYoung
Mezzo-Soprano
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
First-year Ryan Opera Center mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung, originally from Traverse City, Michigan, recently finished her second year as a member of the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio program.
Kathleen Felty
Mezzo-Soprano
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Mezzo-Soprano Kathleen Felty, from Lubbock, Texas, is a second-year member of the Ryan Opera Center.
Martin Luther Clark
Tenor
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
First-year Ryan Opera Center tenor Martin Luther Clark graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music with a master’s degree in opera.
Lunga Eric Hallam
Tenor
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
First-year Ryan Opera Center tenor Lunga Eric Hallam, born and raised in Site. B Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, founded a nonprofit organization called Phenomenal Opera Voices.
Leroy Davis
Baritone
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Baritone Leroy Davis is a first-year member of the Ryan Opera Center.
Ricardo José Rivera
Baritone
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Puerto Rican baritone Ricardo José Rivera, is a third-year member of the Ryan Opera Center.
David Weigel
Bass-Baritone
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Third-year Ryan Opera Center bass-baritone David Weigel ia a native of Asheville, North Carolina.
Anthony Reed
Bass
Ryan Opera Center Ensemble
Bass Anthony Reed is a second-year member of the Ryan Opera Center and an alumnus of the Curtis Institute of Music and the Merola Opera Program.
Get exclusive benefits
Become a sponsor to receive a private virtual reception with artists, early streaming access, as well as a delicious basket of assorted fare and wine delivered directly to your door.
Magical Music Around the World is generously presented by
Lead Sponsors
Sylvia Neil and Daniel Fischel
Major Sponsors
Richard Abram and Paul Chandler
Anders and Donna Gustafsson
Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation
Phil Lumpkin
Frank B. Modruson and Lynne C. Shigley
Richard Ryan
Michael Steinberg and Salme Harju Steinberg